Mathematical model of the strength of briquettes as a function of the grain size and moisture content of the material

Analysis of the process of structure formation due to briquetting of fine materials with participation of a liquid phase (water) and optimization of the process with the help of a mathematical model of formation of strength in artificial structures is of considerable practical interest. Experimental studies and computations are used for constructing two mathematical models of the strength of briquettes, which allow for the composite action of three factors, namely, the diameter of the particles of the material of the structure, its moisture content, and the proportion of the mechanisms of strength formation (capillary, molecular, and propping). The models are adequate for experimental data covering the range of particle sizes from ∼0.02 to 3 mm and the range of moisture contents from WMH to W MCM. The models make it possible to predict the strength of artificial structures, i.e., briquettes, depending on the particle size of the initial material and on its moisture content within the specified range of variation of initial data. __________ Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 4, pp. 44–50, April, 2007.