Measurement of granule strength in particle beds using ultrasonic velocity

It is proposed in this work that the mean "strength" of the individual particles or pellets can be determined ultrasonically by measuring the longitudinal or shear sound speed of a sample of powder or pellets placed under pressure and calculating from this the average sound speed of the particles themselves. These measurements then can be compared to the standard "strength" measurements in use to determine whether in those particular cases the sound speed measurement is a feasible alternative. The sound measurement, if demonstrated to be feasible, may well have extensive practical advantages over the old techniques in terms of repeatability, ease of use and having a direct relationship with a well known physical parameter.