Abstract: A probability-based contact algorithm is proposed. It is implemented in a sphere-based DEM code for modelling non-spherical particles with the same computational efficiency of contact detection as that for spherical particles. An ellipsoid is considered as an example for the probability-based contact algorithm derivation. Processes of silo discharge of spherical sago, ellipsoidal mungbean and rice are simulated respectively. Corresponding silo tests are also carried out. The flow pattern and flow rate of a particle system with different particle shapes are compared between the results obtained from the simulation and experiment. It can be found that the probability-based contact algorithm is suitable for the study of flow characteristics of ellipsoidal particles, with sufficient accuracy and high efficiency.