Bulk Density (Ceramic)
Compute the bulk (apparent) density of a ceramic, BD = dry mass/(wet mass − immersed mass), by Archimedes' method, considering the total piece volume (including pores). It is an indicator of the densification achieved in firing: higher bulk density means fewer pores and generally higher strength. Water density (1 g/cm³) is used in the hydrostatic weighing. Enter the dry, wet and immersed masses.
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Bulk density (ceramic)
Bulk density (apparent density) BD = dry mass/(saturated mass − immersed mass) is the density of a ceramic body referred to its total volume — pores included. It is measured by the Archimedes method: the dry mass divided by the apparent volume, which comes from the difference between the saturated mass and the mass immersed in water (as water has a density of 1 g/cm³, that difference gives the volume in cm³ directly). The result works as a thermometer of the densification achieved during firing: the more the body has sintered and closed its pores, the more mass fits into the same apparent volume, the higher the density — and, as a rule, the higher the mechanical strength and the lower the water absorption. Bulk density is compared with the theoretical density (that of the fully dense material) to obtain the relative density, which expresses the degree of sintering. It is called 'apparent' precisely because it includes the pores; the true density, measured with a gas pycnometer on the ground powder, excludes them and is always higher. The gap between the two reveals the total porosity. Bulk density is a routine control in ceramic plants — simple to run and highly revealing. Enter the dry mass, the saturated mass and the immersed mass.
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Apparent Porosity (Ceramic)
Compute a ceramic's apparent porosity, AP = (wet mass − dry mass)/(wet mass − immersed mass)·100%, the volume fraction occupied by open pores (accessible to water), measured by Archimedes' method. Unlike water absorption (relative to mass), apparent porosity is relative to volume. Open pores reduce mechanical strength and increase permeability. Enter the wet, dry and immersed masses (hydrostatic weighing).
Sintering Relative Density
Compute the relative density of a sintered body, RD = (bulk density/theoretical density)·100%, the fraction of the maximum density (of the fully dense, pore-free material) the piece reached. It is the central measure of the degree of sintering: advanced ceramics aim for RD above 99% (almost pore-free) for maximum strength and properties. The residual porosity is 100% − RD. Enter the bulk (sintered) density and the theoretical density.
Cylindrical Silo Capacity
Calculate the storage capacity (mass) of a silo's cylindrical part, M = ρ · (π·D²/4) · H, from the product bulk density ρ (kg/m³), the silo inner diameter D (m) and the cylindrical body height H (m). The calculation combines the cylinder volume (section area times height) with the product's bulk density — the product mass per unit apparent volume, which includes the voids between particles and differs from the solid particle density. Bulk density varies with product and state: soybeans ~720 kg/m³, corn ~720, wheat ~770, cement ~1500, and it also changes with moisture and compaction. Capacity is a silo's most basic commercial and operational parameter: it sets how much product it stores, and thus the logistics of receiving, dispatch and stock turnover. This computes the cylindrical part; total capacity also includes the lower hopper volume and, in grain silos, the upper product cone above the transition line (formed by the angle of repose during filling). Correctly estimating capacity is essential in designing storage units, cooperatives and grain terminals. Enter the bulk density, diameter and cylindrical body height.
Total Shrinkage (Ceramic)
Compute the total linear shrinkage of a ceramic piece, TS = (L_wet − L_fired)/L_wet·100%, combining the drying and firing effects from the formed piece to the final product. It is the shrinkage the mold designer must compensate for: the cavity must be larger than the final piece by the total shrinkage, so the fired piece comes out at the exact size. Enter the wet (formed) and fired (final) lengths.
Solution Density Mass Volume
Computes solution density in g/mL from total mass and total volume of the sample.
Specific Fire Load
Calculate the specific fire load of a space, q = (mass × LHV) ÷ area, dividing the total energy of the combustible materials (mass × lower heating value) by the floor area. The result, in MJ/m², is the heat that would be released per unit area if all the material burned — the parameter that classifies a building's fire risk and sets protection requirements (fire resistance, exits, sprinklers) in fire codes. The higher the fire load, the more severe the potential fire. Enter the fuel mass, the heating value and the area.
The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.