Abstract During the preparation of nanoparticle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites via liquid-state methods, the agglomeration of nanoparticles within the aluminum melt remains a critical challenge. In this study, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is employed, and a non-contact van der Waals force model based on Hamaker theory was implemented via API, enabling a more realistic representation of long-range attractive interactions and early-stage agglomeration behavior of particles in the melt.