A theoretical model of the effect of distributed loading on the tensile strength of agglomerates as measured in the diametral compression test

The tensile strength of particle agglomerates is analyzed to indicate the effect of distributed loading through contact flattening during the diametral compression test. It is assumed that only the contact regions of the agglomerate are flattened and that the free boundary maintains its original position during loading. The increased packing density so produced is related to the total loading as a reaction force through an empirical relationship used to describe die compaction of powders. Agglomerate failure occurs when the maximum tensile stress caused by the platen loading exceeds the cohesive strength of the particle assemblage. Theoretical predictions of the effects of parameters such as bulk powder properties and the extent of load distribution on agglomerate strength are presented from the analysis.