Material characterization lab

Problem definition

The behavior of bulk materials determines the way bulk solid materials can be handled. Handling includes transportation, transfer, transshipment and storage. The behavior of bulk solid material can be characterized by the flow function, the flow factor of the material, and the internal and wall friction angles. These parameters can be measured by a shear tester.

Working principle of a shear tester

The bulk material is poured into a shear cell. The lid is loaded centrally with a normal force N. The upper part of the shear cell is displaced horizontally against the fixed bottom ring by a motor driven stem which pushes against the bracket. Due to the displacement of the upper ring and the lid against the bottom ring, the bulk solid is sheared. The shear force F which is exerted by the stem is then measured and used to characterize the bulk solid.

Relevance

A majority of the world wide industry uses bulk solid materials as raw material or energy source for their production processes. These processes are significantly affected by problems in the handling of bulk solid material. The characterization and handling of bulk solid materials is therefore studied in the section of Transport Engineering and Logistics (course WB3419).

Sheartester details

In our laboratory a Jenike sheartester with consolidation bench is available both for commercial and educational use (course WB3419).

Contact

Prof. dr. ir. Gabriël Lodewijks / dr. ir. Dingena L. Schott

Telephone : +31 15 278 8793 / 8 3130

Students with questions on their practical of wb3419 can contact Ed Stok (86839).