Simultaneous measurement of rice grain friction coefficient and angle of repose using rotating cylinders

Abstract

Several methods have been developed to measure the friction coefficient of grains and seeds as well as their angle of repose, independently. However, it seems that one single method capable of simultaneous measurement of these two important parameters of grain products is of importance. In this study, simultaneous measurement of brown rice grain friction coefficient and angle of repose is performed by using rotating cylinders method. The effects of rotational speed, cylinder diameter and filling degree on rice grains, also lower and higher angle of repose along with their friction properties were considered. Results showed that proper speed for reaching slumping and rolling motions depends on cylinder diameter and filling degree varying from 0.5 to 9.7 rpm and 2 to 34.6 rpm, respectively. An insignificant difference in the range of 1° to 4° was observed between lower and upper angles of repose which indicates the reliability of the proposed method to determine the dynamic angle of repose. Results also revealed that rotational speed of cylinders did not significantly affect the lower and upper angles of repose; however, they were not affected by filling degree. Finally, the friction coefficient of rice grains was affected by cylinder diameter and filling degree. The findings of this study may be applied in the design and mathematical modeling of grains’ motions in rotary dryers, mixers, and silos.