A validated co-simulation of grab and moist iron ore cargo

Replicating the cohesive and stress-history dependent behaviour of bulk solids

Journal Article (2021)
Author(s)

Javad Mohajeri (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)

Wilbert de Kluijver (Nemag)

Rudy L.J. Helmons (TU Delft - Offshore and Dredging Engineering)

C Van Rhee (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering, TU Delft - Offshore and Dredging Engineering)

DL Schott (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)

Research Group
Transport Engineering and Logistics
Copyright
© 2021 M. Mohajeri, Wilbert de Kluijver, R.L.J. Helmons, C. van Rhee, D.L. Schott
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2021.02.017
More Info
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Publication Year
2021
Language
English
Copyright
© 2021 M. Mohajeri, Wilbert de Kluijver, R.L.J. Helmons, C. van Rhee, D.L. Schott
Related content
Research Group
Transport Engineering and Logistics
Issue number
4
Volume number
32
Pages (from-to)
1157-1169
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

The traditional design approach of grabs and other bulk handling equipment consists of manufacturing and testing physical prototypes. A novel design approach is to use a co-simulation of MultiBody Dynamics (MBD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM), in which the virtual prototype of a new concept interacts with bulk solids. Therefore, this study develops and validates a full-scale co-simulation that models the grabbing process of cohesive and stress-history dependent iron ore. First, by executing in-situ measurements during the unloading of a vessel, grab-relevant bulk properties of the cargo, such as penetration resistance, are determined. Second, full-scale grabbing experiments are conducted in the cargo hold, which allows the process to be recorded in realistic operational conditions. Third, full-scale co-simulation is set up using the material model that has been calibrated based on an elasto-plastic adhesive contact model. Fourth, the co-simulation is validated by comparing its predictions to experimental data from various aspects, such as the force in cables and the torque in winches. The validated co-simulation proves that the stress-dependent behaviour of cohesive cargo as it interacts with the grab could be captured successfully. Valuable information such as a grab's kinematics and dynamics, as well as the porosity distribution of collected bulk solids, can be extracted from the simulation, supporting engineers to enhance the design and operation of equipment.