Off-campus South Dakota State University users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your South Dakota State University ID and password.
Non-South Dakota State University users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2013
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Stephan Gent
Abstract
The structural and the rheological properties of corn stover biomass are analyzed applying material testing techniques. Developing testing methods to determine the hardness, reduced elastic modulus, and multiple axis fiber strength is one of the challenges of this study. Hardness and reduced elastic modulus parameters of corn stalk fibers are determined through a nanoindentation machine, NANOVEA®. Tensile strength and flexure tests are performed using a universal testing machine, MTS Insight®. Rheological properties (internal friction coefficient, angle of internal friction, and cohesion) of chopped corn stover biomass in bulk are analyzed using a custom direct shear cell and compared to the limited findings in literature. The measured properties of the biomass have the potential to be used in computer simulations for bulk solid flow analysis. The bulk fluid motion of the pulverized/chopped biomass can be simulated in storage and transportation equipment, including auguring screws and pneumatic conveyance systems, as well as devices for feeding biomass feedstocks in biorefineries. Traditional biochemical and thermochemical reactors operate as batch systems because of the difficulty of feeding the biomass feedstock in a continuous manner. Having a clearer background about the structural and rheological properties of biomass feedstock will help simulate and design the bulk-solid flows within storage bins and conveyance systems.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Corn stover
Plant biomass
Energy crops
Description
Includes bibliographical references (pages 80-87)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
101
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Recommended Citation
Ozdemir, Ozan Cagatay, "Investigating the Structural and Rheological Properties of Corn Stover Biomass" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1613.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/1613