With the rise of additive technologies, the characterization of metal powders is increasingly required. There is a need to precisely match the properties of metal powders to a specific machine and to ensure highly consistent production. Therefore, the study aims at a detailed characterization of ten metal powders (Metal powder 316 L, Zn, Sn, Al, Cu, Mn, Fe, Bronze, Ti and Mo powder), for which the particle size distribution, morphology, static and dynamic angle of repose and the effective internal friction angle (AIFE) were determined. The AIFE parameter and flow index were determined from three commonly used rotary shear devices: The computer-controlled Ring Shear Tester RST-01. pc, the Brookfield PFT Powder Flow Tester and the FT4 Powder rheometer. The results showed that the values ​​for the device of one manufacturer did not fully correspond to the values ​​of another one. The flow characteristics of the metal powders were quantified from the particle size distribution data, static angle of repose, and AIFE data. According to the particle size distribution and angle of repose (AOR), 50% of the tested metal powders fell into the free-flowing mode. According to the evaluation of AIFE, 20% of the samples fell into the lower area. Based on the flow indexes calculated from the measurements of the shear devices used, 100% (RST-01.pc), 70% (PFT) and 50% (FT4) of the samples were included in the free-flowing category. When comparing the results, attention should be paid not only to the nature of the material, but also to the methodology and equipment used. A comparison of methodologies revealed similarities in the changing behavior of the different metal powders. A comparison of effective angles of AIFE and static AOR was shown, and a hypothesis of the conversion relation was derived.

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Metal powders are components with multidisciplinary usage as their application is very broad. Their consistent characterization across all disciplines is important for ensuring repeatable and trouble-free processes. Ten metal powders were tested in the study. In all cases, the particle size distribution and morphology (scanning electron microscope-SEM photos) were determined. The aim of this work was to inspect the flow behavior of metal powders through another measured characteristic, namely the angle of internal friction. The measured values of the effective internal friction angle in the range 28.6-32.9 • , together with the spherical particle shape and the particle size distribution, revealed the likely dominant mode of the metal particle transfer mechanism for stainless steel 316L, zinc and aluminum powder. This third piston flow mechanism is described and illustrated in detail. The angle of internal friction is mentioned as another suitable parameter for the characterization of metal powders, not only for the relative simplicity of the determination but also for gaining insight into the method of the movement of individual particles during the flow.

This paper presents the use of new modern methods for the research of movement of material on a belt conveyor. One of the innovative methods is Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), which was used to scan and assess the two-dimensional vector field of speed of particles on the belt conveyor. Outputs from PIV were compared to simulations of the same transport process. These simulations were performed using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Four transport speeds of material were assessed for a real and simulative belt conveyor model. Software tracking of particle movement was used to determine and compare the trajectories of paths of particles leaving the belt conveyor drum. Validation of the DEM simulation of material movement over a belt conveyor drum using PIV provided acceptable results in the area of particle speed fields. Comparison of the particle path trajectory corresponds to the preliminary hypothesis which leads to calibration of the DEM simulation. The results and assessment of this paper were created based on validation.

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of particulates and powders is of great importance in process engineering. The prediction of thermal properties of powders using empirical equations is still difficult due to the wide range of specific attributes. This article describes a new measurement methodology for a laboratory device that can be used to determine the thermal conductivity of bulk solids. The presented results show that the created device is highly applicable in industrial practice. It is possible to examine the coefficient of thermal conductivity depending on the sample temperature, the granulometry results and the morphological composition, the moisture content, the degree of consolidation, and other variables that may enter into the entire process and affect it significantly.