Study on dynamic characteristics of scraper conveyor under various scraper configurations

Abstract

This study aims to explore the impact of scraper structure on the stable operation of scraper conveyors. A simulation test is designed to investigate the effect of the scraper's lower inclination angle on the wedge-shaped structure of the scraper. Based on the test results, modifications are made to the scraper's lower inclination angle. Using the DEM-MBD coupling model of the scraper conveyor, simulation analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of the scraper on the dynamic characteristics of the conveyor before and after the modification. The simulation test results reveal that, when coal materials are stuck, the minimum impact force of coal material on the upper sample is observed at inclination angles of 52.35° and 78.19°. The simulation research indicates that the transportation efficiency of the standard scraper and the single-sided 52.35° and 78.19° modified scraper is similar. The single-sided 78.19° scraper demonstrates the most stable vibration amplitude and centroid variance, with an overall maximum vibration amplitude and variance of 0.76 mm and 0.08, respectively. The z-direction speed fluctuation of the single-sided 78.19° scraper is also the smallest and most stable, with a maximum peak-valley difference and fluctuation variance of 0.17 m/s and 0.0004, respectively. Additionally, the force of the coal on the single-sided 78.19° scraper is the smallest and relatively stable, with a fluctuation range of 510.28∼ 18,557.71 N. Overall, the dynamic operation effect of the single-sided 78.19° scraper is deemed the best after considering all factors. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of scraper structure with different lower inclination angles on the stable operation of scraper conveyors and offers a reference for optimizing scraper structure.