Properties of prepared cane for computational crushing models

Traditionally the Australian raw sugar industry has utilised milling terms such as bulk density and specific non-dimensional forms of density (compression ratio and filling ratio) as key parameters in empirical models for roll load, roll torque and reabsorption factor. These models have served the industry well, although they lack a fundamental base. With increased pressure on industry to reduce costs associated with milling, considerable effort has been put into defining the basic properties of prepared cane needed for theoretical analysis of crushing. These properties are based on constitutive laws for the solid and liquid phase, and for the frictional interaction between the bagasse and the contacting surfaces. The paper identifies the properties currently being used for computational modelling of crushing. These properties arc specified from a combination of direct measurements and inverse analysis procedures.