A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LOADER SHOVELLING MECHANISMS WITH DISCRETE UNIT MODELING
Keywords:
Shovel loading resistance, discrete element theory, EDEM software, simulation model, loading efficiency, mechanical characteristics, obstructing effect, peak shovelling resistance, shovel angle.Abstract
Loader shovelling mechanisms are used in various industrial applications, and the resistance encountered during the shovel loading process greatly affects the loading efficiency. Shovel loading resistance is the reaction force of the material on the bucket during the shovel loading process and contains two parts: the resistance of the bucket insertion stage and the resistance of the lifting stage. Therefore, it is essential to conduct research on shovel loading resistance to improve the performance of the loader shovelling mechanism. This paper presents a simulation analysis of the loader shovelling mechanism using the discrete element theory and EDEM software. A simulation model of the loading process is established, and the forward and reverse shovel loading processes are simulated. The mechanical characteristics of the shovelling operation are analysed visually, and the obstructing effect of the material on the bucket is clarified. The shovelling resistance of the key parts of the bucket at different stages of the shovelling process is specifically analysed, and the parts where the peak shovelling resistance is located and the stages where it is located are identified. The influence of the shovel angle on the resistance is also analysed. The results of the simulation analysis provide insight into the shovel loading resistance and the performance of the loader shovelling mechanism. The study demonstrates that the discrete element method can be effectively used in the simulation analysis of loader shovelling mechanisms, providing a useful tool for the design and optimisation of the loader shovelling mechanism. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the important mechanical characteristics of the shovel loading process and provides a comprehensive analysis of the shovelling resistance encountered by the loader shovelling mechanism. The results of this study can be applied to improve the design and performance of the loader shovelling mechanism, which can have a positive impact on various industrial applications that rely on this technology
