Abstract
Hereunder is presented a report of studies made of the table feeder, particularly in respect of the mass flow rate, step response, and fluctuation.
The mass flow rate is found to be in proportion to the angular velocity of the table when the centrifugal effect Z is smaller than 0.005. However, for Z beyond this value, the shape of the powder bed must be taken into consideration for accurate prediction of the mass flow rate. This problem has been studied based on our previously published theory.
As to the dynamics, it has been found that, under certain operating conditions, the response of the mass flow rate to the step change in angular velocity of the table is of derivative nature, similar to that obtained with the scraper position as input.
The fluctuation in mass flow rate is attributable to the inclined installation of the table. However, this fact suggests that the feeder may be used as a sine-wave generator for powder flow rate studies. From this standpoint, the experimental relationship between its amplitude and the angular velocity has been studied analytically.
