351 Mixograph analysis guidelines based on mixograph dynamics.

J. L. STEELE, M. D. Shogren, and D. L. Brabec. USDA, ARS, GMPRC, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Digitized mixogram analysis was investigated by simulating the moving pin positions and velocities as a function of input shaft rotation in a standard 10g mixograph. The drag forces on the four moving pins were simulated as a function of moving pin velocity for a uniform viscous liquid. The drag force on each moving pin was converted to torque imposed on the bowl and summed to identify the basic cycles when flour-dough is mixed in a 10g mixograph. These simulations were used as the basis for a number of conclusions regarding mixograph instrumentation and mixogram analysis in conjunction with the equations of motion for a spring-mass rotational system. These conclusions were validated with a number of flour-dough mixing tests to form a basis for a simplified but adequate method of representing mixograms. Adequacy of the method was demonstrated through reconstruction of the mixogram and reproduction of mixograms via equivalent uniform viscous liquid simulations. Multipliers on mixing torque and time were used to demonstrate the effect of flour mass, mixing speed and mixer size.