The research project Optimal fragmentation aims at finding the theoretically best way of crushing rock material though compressive crushing under given circumstances. What is considered as the best way of crushing varies depending on the application. The objective of the project is thus to construct a conceptually new crusher from what is infered as theoretically optimal. This is carried out through studies on how the compression ratio, different machine parameters and the geometry of the crushing chamber affect the resulting particle size distribution.

Optimal fragmentation was at first initiated during 2005, but was restructed into a Ph.D.-project in September 2007 as of which the project is financed by the Swedish Mineral Processing Research Association (MinFo), the Swedish government research program MinBaS, and Sandvik Mining and Construction.

Elisabeth Lee, PhD student