Experimental study on the static mechanical properties of a milled mixture of sugar cane

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanical properties of a milled mixture of sugar cane are the basis for the establishment of a milled mixture mechanical model and the constitutive relation under different loading conditions. In this article, the static mechanical properties of the milled mixture were revealed using uniaxial confined compression, uniaxial loading‐unloading, and consolidated‐drained triaxial and direct shear tests. Axial stress is a cubic polynomial relating to the compression ratio. The Young's modulus is proportional to the loading pressure. The void ratio is exponentially related to the stress, and the compression and swelling indices are 4.273 and 0.184, respectively, in the loading‐unloading process from 0.208 to 1.389 MPa. Shear failure does not occur when the axial strain is less than or equal to 25%. Shear failure obeys the Mohr–Coulomb law, and the cohesive force and internal friction angle are 10.16 kPa and 31.5°, respectively. Other key parameters were obtained. All of these provided the basis for constructing the constitutive model of a milled mixture of sugar cane.Practical applicationsIn this article, the prepared cane and bagasse are collectively called the milled mixture of sugar cane, which includes solid fiber, juice, and air. In the milling process, the three components in the milled mixture of sugar cane interact; the coupling of solid fiber and juice is particularly important. The mechanical properties of the milled mixture of sugar cane are the basis for the establishment of a milled mixture mechanical model and the constitutive relation under different loading conditions. In this article, the static mechanical properties of the milled mixture were revealed using uniaxial confined compression, uniaxial loading–unloading, and consolidated‐drained triaxial and direct shear tests. The key parameters were obtained. These rules and data improved the understanding of the stress–strain relationship of the milled mixture of sugar cane during the milling process and provided the basis for constructing the constitutive model of the milled mixture.