Uniaxial tester extends measuring ability

Powder after it has been failed in a uniaxial test Source: Freeman Technology

Freeman Technology has added a uniaxial powder tester to the "FT4 Powder Rheometer", extending the system’s ability to efficiently and reproducibly measure properties that directly correlate with a powder’s in-process behaviour. Uniaxial testing complements the system’s existing test methodologies for shear, bulk and dynamic powder measurement. The method involves measuring the force needed to break or fracture a column of consolidated powder. It is probably the most simple and direct method of measuring unconfined yield strength, a parameter related to cohesivity. The new accessory, in combination with a well-defined consolidation methodology, produces a homogeneous, uniform powder column for testing. Measuring the normal stress required to fracture the column directly identifies the unconfined yield strength. Comparative tests show that the new solution produces data closely comparable to those derived from shear test data, but offers improved repeatability.