Dynamic modelling of an armoured face conveyor considering the curved chains

PurposeDue to the structural layout, mining process, and working environment, curved chains such as horizontal and vertical bends inevitably exist in the armoured face conveyor (AFC). With the increasing power, conveying capacity, and distance of the AFC, the dynamic influence of these curved chains should be highly emphasized. This paper establishes a dynamic model of the AFC by multi-body system theory and finite segment method, in which the curved chains can be fully considered.Design/methodology/approachThe scraper chains are firstly grouped into the straight, horizontal bend, vertical convex and concave bend sections. Each bend section running in a circle is simplified as an ideal arc. Through solving its differential equilibrium equation and using Newton's second law, its running resistance is derived. Then the grouped chains are discretized into finite control elements according to the Kelvin model, and the governing equation of each control element is established. The dynamic model of the AFC is obtained by assembling these equations, and the corresponding simulation model is developed by using MATLAB/Simulink.FindingsCase studies with real scenarios are provided, and simulations are carried out. The results show that the running resistance contributed by the curved chains is larger than the traditional empirical value.Originality/valueThe work in this paper helps the dynamic performance design of AFC, with a deep understanding of the curved chains.