Application of the discrete element method for simulation of coal mining by a cutter-loader in a working face
A.N. Starodubov1, 2, A.N. Kadochigova1, A.V. Kaplun1
1 Federal Research Center for Coal and Coal Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
2 T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №S2 / 2023 р. 150-154
Abstract: Timulation modeling as a method of studying complex technological processes is successfully used in mining. Due to the creation of digital models, it is possible to estimate and improve the efficiency of technical and organizational solutions used in difficult mining and geological conditions. The article describes the development of a simulation model of coal extraction by a shearer and its transportation to an armored conveyer. Fragmentation of a high coal seam was simulated under the action of the cutting planes of the shearer. The created model in the Rocky DEM simulation environment takes into account the physical and mechanical properties of materials and 3D structures of mining equipment. The method of discrete elements was used as a mathematical tool for computing fragmentation of the coalbed, which helped to perform the computing without loss of the initial mass and volume of the materials. During the validation of the simulation model, a series of tests were carried out to determine the angle of natural slope of non-spherical coal particles close in granulometric composition to the mass formed during the fragmentation of the coalbed. Based on the test results, an array of values of coal particle adhesion parameters was obtained, which allows conducting simulation studies in conditions of existing and projected coal mines.
Keywords: simulation modeling, shearer loader, discrete element method, coalbed, scraper conveyor, mining equipment, adhesion, angle of repose, Rocky DEM
Acknowledgments: The study was carried out under the grant (Resolution of the Government of the Kemerovo region - Kuzbass as of 19.09.2022 № 632) on applied scientific research entitled "Development of software and methodological support for digitalization of design processes for mining systems for surface and underground mining operations", Agreement No.1 as of 22.11.2022.
For citation: Starodubov A.N., Kadochigova A.N., Kaplun A.V. Application of the discrete element method for simulation of coal mining by a cutter-loader in a working face. Russian Mining Industry. 2023;(S2):150–154. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-S2-150-154
Article info
Received: 30.07.2023
Revised: 17.08.2023
Accepted: 23.08.2023
Information about the authors
Aleksey N. Starodubov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory of the Institute of Coal, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Associate Professor, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7577-9210; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arina N. Kadochigova – Senior Engineer of the Institute of Coal, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Anastasia V. Kaplun – Senior Engineer of the Institute of Coal, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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