Vibration-based particulate filter cleaning processes have been proposed to enhance the removal of packed ash deposits accumulated in particulate filters. The processes raise concerns regarding their impact on the cellular ceramic filter material. In this study, several new ceramic diesel particulate filters from the same production batch were subjected to differing levels of vibration-based ash cleaning, and their mechanical properties were measured in order to determine the effect, if any, the vibrations have on the overall integrity of the substrate. Samples underwent compressive and three-point bending testing at two different strain rates in order to measure the differences in the ultimate strength and modulus of rupture. The results show no statistically significant differences in the ultimate crushing strength of the vibrated samples as compared to the unvibrated samples at each orientation. Additionally, the three-point bending tests show no statistically significant reduction in the modulus of rupture of the vibrated samples as compared to the unvibrated ones. The results indicate that the vibration-based ash removal approach proposed in this study poses no measurable risk to the integrity of the ceramic substrate.

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