Optimization of Comminution Circuit Throughput and Product Size Distribution by Simulation and Control

The goal of this project is to improve energy efficiency of industrial crushing and grinding operations (comminution). Mathematical models of the comminution process are being used to study methods for optimizing the product size distribution, so that the amount of excessively fine material produced can be minimized. The goal is to save energy by reducing the amount of material that is ground below the target size, while simultaneously reducing the quantity of materials wasted as ''slimes'' that are too fine to be useful. This is being accomplished by mathematical modeling of the grinding circuits to determine how to correct this problem. The approaches taken included (1) Modeling of the circuit to determine process bottlenecks that restrict flow rates in one area while forcing other parts of the circuit to overgrind the material; (2) Modeling of hydrocyclones to determine the mechanisms responsible for retaining fine, high-density particles in the circuit until they are overground, and improving existing models to accurately account for this behavior; and (3) Evaluation of advanced technologies to improve comminution efficiency and produce sharper product size distributions with less overgrinding

Effect of plasma spray processing variations on particle melting and splat spreading of hydroxylapatite and alumina

Splats of hydroxylapatite (HA) and alumina were obtained via plasma spraying using systematically varied combinations of plasma velocity and temperature, which were achieved by altering the primary plasma gas flow rate and plasma gas composition. Particle size was also varied in the case of alumina. Splat spreading was quantified via computer- aided image analysis as a function of processing variations. A comparison of the predicted splat dimensions from a model developed by Madejski with experimental observations of HA and alumina splats was performed. The model tended to underestimate the HA splat sizes, suggesting that evaporation of smaller particles occurred under the chosen experimental conditions, and to overestimate the observed alumina splat dimensions. Based on this latter result and on the surface appearance of the substrates, incomplete melting appeared to take place in all but the smaller alumina particles. Analysis of the spreading data as a function of the processing variations indicated that the particle size as well as the plasma temperature and velocity influenced the extent of particle melting. Based on these data and other considerations, a physical model was developed that described the degree of particle melting in terms of material and processing parameters. The physical model correctly predicted the relative splat spreading behavior of HA and alumina, assuming that spreading was directly linked to the extent of particle melting

Transient liquid-phase sintering of ceramic-reinforced Fe-based composites

The microstructural development of ceramic-reinforced iron-based composites has been studied. The composites were fabricated via powder metallurgy and liquid-phase sintering, a processing route which achieves near-net-shape with good ceramic particulate dispersion. Two matrix alloys were used, Fe-1 wt% C-1 wt% Si and Fe-2 wt% Cu; up to 30 wt% (≈36 vol%) yttria-stabilized zirconia in the form of ∼20 μm particles was added to these alloys. The microstructural evolution of these composite materials was studied by examining the densification rate and volume fraction of liquid phase as a function of time. Different particle/matrix interfaces developed in the two composites. A glassy silicon-rich layer formed in the Fe-1C-1Si-YSZ composites and a more limited crystalline layer was found in the Fe-2Cu-YSZ composites. © 1991 Chapman & Hall

Liquid phase sintered metal matrix composite materials

Iron-base and aluminum-base composite materials reinforced with various ceramic particulates have been fabricated via powder metallurgy and liquid phase sintering. The advantage of this manufacturing route is that conventional powder metallurgy processing equipment can be used to fabricate metal matrix/ceramic composites. Furthermore, this approach makes it possible to manufacture these composites to near-net-shape. A number of matrix/ceramic combinations have been examined: Fe-C-Si and Fe-Cu with ZrO2 additions and a Al-Cu-Si-Mg alloy with SiC or Al2O3 additions. The interfacial structures were characterized and found to play a significant role in controlling the properties of the composites. Reinforcement was observed in several systems. However, a glassy interfacial layer forms when Si additions and oxide reinforcements are present; the resultant particle/matrix bond strength is weak and reinforcement. © 1990, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved

OPTIMIZATION OF COMMINUTION CIRCUIT THROUGHPUT AND PRODUCT SIZE DISTRIBUTION BY SIMULATION AND CONTROL

The goal of this project is to improve energy efficiency of industrial crushing and grinding operations (comminution). Mathematical models of the comminution process are being used to study methods for optimizing the product size distribution, so that the amount of excessively fine material produced can be minimized. The goal is to save energy by reducing the amount of material that is ground below the target size, while simultaneously reducing the quantity of materials wasted as ''slimes'' that are too fine to be useful. This is being accomplished by mathematical modeling of the grinding circuits to determine how to correct this problem. The approaches taken included (1) Modeling of the circuit to determine process bottlenecks that restrict flowrates in one area while forcing other parts of the circuit to overgrind the material; (2) Modeling of hydrocyclones to determine the mechanisms responsible for retaining fine, high-density particles in the circuit until they are overground, and improving existing models to accurately account for this behavior; and (3) Evaluation of advanced technologies to improve comminution efficiency and produce sharper product size distributions with less overgrinding

New interdisciplinary engineering design course in planetary materials and resource utilization

A new senior/graduate-level course addressing topics of planetary materials and resource utilization was given at Michigan Technological University in the spring of \u2789. The purpose of the course was to increase interest in the future of space colonization and related engineering, to galvanize a working group of faculty from diverse fields interested in collaborative research, and to initiate an interdisciplinary undergraduate/graduate program in space-related studies. Development of the course required the concerted, coordinated effort of a core group of faculty from several departments. Since no similar course could be found to use as a guide, we concentrated on addressing topics fundamental to permanent, self-sustained extraterrestrial bases, with particular emphasis on utilizing indigenous materials and resources, and on processing these materials under low-gravity and vacuum conditions. The success of the course was largely due to 13 visiting speakers from NASA, USGS, universities and private companies