In this contribution the breakage behaviour of needle-shaped particles as L-threonine crystals and cylindrical Al2O3 agglomerates is studied. The breakage of Al2O3 agglomerates is investigated by compression tests. For the L-threonine crystals single particle impacts with a wall are performed. In order to obtain reproducible results an electromagnetic particle gun has been designed. The experimental results are then used to derive a discrete element model to analyze the microdynamics and breakage mechanisms of needle-shaped particles. A good qualitative agreement between simulations and tests is achieved. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.