ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Shear Testing of Powders Using the Freeman Technology FT4 Powder Rheometer Shear Cell
 N D7891

Annotation

This method covers the apparatus and procedures for measuring the incipient failure properties of a powder as a function of the normal stress for a given level of consolidation. The method also allows the further determination of the unconfined yield strength, internal friction angles, cohesion, flow function, major principal stress and wall friction angle (with the appropriate wall coupon fitted to the correct accessory).

These parameters are most commonly used for the design of storage hoppers and bins using industry standard calculations and procedures. They can also provide relative classification or comparison of the flow behavior of different powders or different batches of the same powder if similar stress and shear regimes are encountered within the processing equipment.

The apparatus is suitable for measuring the properties of powders with a maximum particle size of 1 mm. It is possible to test powders which have a small proportion of particles of 1 mm or greater, but they should be present in the bulk sample as no more than 5 % of the total mass in samples with a normal (Gaussian) size distribution.

All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.