Virtual prototype of the tunnel boring machine and movement simulation in division mockup2000i2

Abstract

The virtual reality is a multi-functional, interactive and immersible technology. As an advanced engineering design technology, the virtual reality technology (VRT) has been widely used in large mining machinery design and manufacturing. The system is based on DIVISION Mockup2000i2 software. Virtual prototype of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is studied in this paper. In addition, the movement simulation of TBM is completed in DIVISION Mockup2000i2. Firstly, CATIA software is adopted to build the parts of TBM. The TBM is assembled in CATIA too. Secondly, the THEOREM software is applied to convert the assembled model of TBM to another format which can be identified in DIVISION MOCKUP2000i2 software. In order to make the TBM image living, life-like and easy to browse, the light of surface, virtual materials and landmark scenes are set up in DIVISION MOCKUP2000i2 software environment. All motion parameters of the parts are defined before the simulation. Then, the virtual movement simulation of TBM components is analyzed with the behaviors property of MOCKUP. The virtual movement of cutting wheel, screw conveyor machinery and the door of mud out are studied. The virtual movement of segments and segment erector machine are completed by setting up virtual parts and virtual event. Five segments are fixed accurately in a cycle. The relations and interference of the parts movement are examined simultaneity. The hotkey is defined before the simulation, which can trigger the continuous implementation of virtual motion. In addition, a virtual voice is used to enhance the performance of movement simulation. The virtual prototype of TBM being set up and simulated will have positive significance for design inspection, structural analysis and product introduction without TBM physical prototype being manufactured. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.