Modeling and Simulation of Coal Loading by Cutting Drum in Flat Seams

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for modeling work of a coal shearer work in low longwall coal seams where the wall height does not exceed 1.5 m. In such conditions, an important issue is the process of loading the ore from shearer cutting drum on an armored face conveyor and selection of appropriate kinematic parameters to avoid choking. Discrete element method was used to model coal seam. This method allows for efficient simulation of physical systems composed of many separate components. Methods and algorithms based on existing theoretical models were developed to imitate coal cutting process. Main focus of analysis was put on coal stream movement for different variants of the shearer construction and kinematic parameters.