Particle Strengths

Book excerpt: A holistic and straightforward analysis framework for understanding particle strength distributions In Particle Strengths: Extreme Value Distributions in Fracture, distinguished researcher Dr. Robert F. Cook delivers a thorough exploration of the science and related engineering of fracture strength distributions of single particles tested in diametral compression. In the book, the author explains particle strengths in the broader context of material strengths to permit readers to design with particles in systems in which mechanical properties are crucial to application, manufacturing, and handling. Particle Strengths compiles published data on particle strengths into a common format that includes over 140 materials systems and over 270 published strength distributions derived from over 13000 individual particle strength measurements. It offers physically consistent descriptions of strength behavior, including the strength threshold, using simple polynomial distribution functions that can easily be implemented. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to particles and particle loading, including discussions of particle failure and human activity Comprehensive explorations of stochastic scaling of particle strength distributions, including concave and sigmoidal stochastic distributions Practical discussions of agglomerate particle strengths, including those relevant to pharmaceuticals, foods, and catalysts Detailed treatments of applications and scaling of particle strengths, including particle crushing energy and grinding particle reliability Perfect for materials scientists and engineers, mining and construction engineers, and environmental scientists, Particle Strengths: Extreme Value Distributions in Fracture will also benefit anthropologists, zoologists, pharmaceutical scientists, biomaterials scientists and engineers, and graduate students studying materials science, and chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering.