Optimisation of geometry of the chain conveyor carriers by DEM Method

Abstract

The article presents the results of simulation of the Discreet Elements Method (DEM) applied to the chain conveyor model with regard to optimisation of its carriers' geometry. The work is focused on the impact pulses of carriers in the first part of the chain conveyor's transport cycle and the influence of a change in the carrier element's geometry on vector motion of particles and velocity differences of motion of the transported material. The issue is solved by the DEM method, where a 3D model of the tested equipment and a simulation of material transportation in the transport system is created. Virtual 3D models of equipment can be easily adjusted such as changes in the structure dimensions. In the text, it is the approach to testing the influence of the chain conveyors carrier's geometry on the character of motion of particles. The results show that the carrier's geometry changes the trajectory of motion and velocity of the transported material particles during their transport on the chain conveyors.