TENSILE STRENGTH OF MOIST AGGLOMERATES

A general theory for the tensile strength of moist granular materials was derived for the whole moisture range. For the “pendular state” the equations of Pietsch and Rumpf were used. For the “capillary state” the tensile strength was taken to be equal to the capillary pressure in the porous body; two equations were used, neither of which is proved correct. A dimensionless capillary pressure characteristic was incorporated in the general theory. In the transition range a linearity proposal by Rumpf was used. A new experimental method was developed which enabled the tensile strength of moist agglomerates to be measured over a wide range of moisture contents and particle sizes. The results showed good agreement with the general theory. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.