In this paper, straw briquetting tests using an all-purpose molding machine were performed. The effects of moisture content, compression speed, and mold angle on briquette pressure, deformation, and stress were studied in detail. A three-dimensional numerical model of a briquette was built using finite element analysis and verified its reliability; the simulations agreed well with the experimental data. When the compression speed and mold angle were fixed, the maximum compression force fell by 76.48% (compared to that of to dry straw) as the moisture content increased. A 45° mold angle and a moisture content of 16.7% were optimal. The dispersion index of the maximum force was lowest at this mold angle. The internal stress and the stress wave vibration frequency decreased along compression direction under these conditions.
Key words: wheat straw; briquettes; cold compression process; numerical simulation