FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING OF THE CRUSHING OF PREPARED CANE AND BAGASSE

This paper describes in broad terms the development of the computational model being used to investigate the crushing and dewatering of prepared sugar cane and bagasse. The model draws on large deformation porous media mechanics and uses finite element techniques to solve fully coupled equations governing fibre stress and fluid flow through the pores. While several papers over recent years have reported investigations into the constitutive behaviour of bagasse, this paper looks at the ‘bigger-picture’ and discusses each key component in the model. The inputs to the model are discussed and a view expressed on the sensitivity of model output to parameter values. The model is exercised for experimental rolling geometry and the comparative responses of roll load, torque and spatial void ratio noted.