Photoelasticity and the Finite Element Method as a Tool for Stress Analysis in the Elementary Crushing Processess

This article aims to present the results of photoelastic experiments on Plexiglas samples and compare them with the results obtained by finite element analysis. Samples were compressed and on the photoelastic polariscope, isochromatic lines were observed. In this work, the process of block loading between coaxial flat, wedge and rounded stamps and by three flat stamps was analyzed. Also was analyzed compression processes between flat plates of a cylindrical sample (Brazilian test), a cuboidal one and a cylindrical sample parallelly milled from two sides. Discussed issues represent compression of blocks in the working space of some crushers and therefore the results of relevant studies can be used to solve technical problems. The comparison of the results of photoelasticity and the finite element method gives a very good overview on the stress distribution in the material under studies. Both methods indicate similar waveforms of lines and stress distribution fields resulting from unidirectional force application. They can be used interchangeably to analyze the elements of crushing processes. The photoelastic method makes it easier to analyze the stress state than the FEM in the case of block crushing with rounded and wedge stamps.