Penetration resistance of cohesive iron ore

Abstract

The performance of bulk solids digging equipment, such as grabs and bucket-wheel excavators, are highly dependent on their penetration process. Additionally, majority of bulk solids show cohesive behavior and consequently their penetration resistance is dependent on level of consolidation. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a reliable simulation using Discrete Element Method (DEM) that is able to quantitatively replicate the relationship between the penetration resistance and the pre-consolidation stress. Both laboratory experiments and simulations were performed in order to analyze differences in penetration under various pre-consolidation stress levels. The developed DEM simulation will be used for further improvements in the penetration process of bulk solids digging equipment.