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The particle size distribution of an assembly of granular
material largely dictates the properties exhibited by that assembly as
well as the properties exhibited by materials made from those powders.
Specifically, the microstructure of a particle assembly is important to
the finished properties of powder metallurgy and ceramic-based
materials. Industrially, control of the size distribution is often
acquired through comminution -- for example in a ball mill. It has
been estimated that size reduction via comminution requires as much as
106 Btu/ton for the grinding of brittle metallic ore. Optimization of
such devices requires a detailed understanding of the dynamics of
fracture and grinding, for which many theoretical and semi-empirical
models exist. Experimental validation of these models is often
difficult and their utility in describing industrial devices is
uncertain. Through the use of discrete simulation techniques,
controlled computer experiments can be used to verify existing models
or to provide reliable data for the development of new ones. This work
would focus on confirming or expanding existing theories as well as
applying these theories to industrially relevant problems in an attempt
to optimize the size reduction process.
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