Development of a More Descriptive Particle Breakage Probability Model

• Published in: Minerals (Basel) Vol. 10; no. 8; p. 710
• Main Authors: Murray M. Bwalya, Ngonidzashe Chimwani
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01-08-2020
• Subjects: breakage modelling; drop-weight tester; energy input; grinding prediction; single particle breakage
• ISSN: 2075-163X
• DOI: 10.3390/min10080710

Single-particle breakage test is becoming increasingly popular, as researchers seek to understand fracture response that is purely a function of the material being tested, instead of that which is based on the performance of the comminution device being used. To that end, an empirical breakage probability model that builds on previous work was proposed. The experimental results demonstrate the significance of both energy input and the number of repeated breakage attempts. Four different materials were compared, to gain a better insight into the breakage response. This modelling work goes further from previous research of the authors, by showing that not only does size related threshold energy and repeated impacts characterize particle breakage properties, but each material exhibits unique trends in terms of how its threshold energy and its rate of deterioration varies with particle size and each impact, respectively. This behaviour can be attributed to the different mechanical characteristics of the material and their flaw distribution. The importance of these aspects was highlighted.