Schürfkübelbagger - Schüttguteigenschaften und deren Einfluss auf die Umschlagleistung

This thesis focuses on the optimisation of drag buckets using the “Discrete Element Simulation“ (DE-Simulation). The simulation software EDEM by Altair, specifically developed for the numerical modelling of bulk materials, was employed for this purpose. The primary objective was to analyse the digging behaviour and potential wear zones of the drag bucket, as well as to simulate material adhesion.
To this end, experimental tests were initially conducted using various bulk materials and bucket materials to determine their mechanical properties. The parameters obtained were subsequently used to calibrate the simulations, enabling a realistic representation of both bulk material and bucket behaviour.
In the course of several simulations, both loading and unloading processes were modelled in order to make reliable predictions regarding wear zones and material adhesion. The results demonstrate that, despite the known challenges in determining realistic bulk material parameters, a high level of agreement between simulation outcomes and real-world conditions could be achieved.
This study demonstrates that, through careful calibration and the use of Altair EDEM together with complementary simulation tools from the Altair product suite, realistic multibody simulations can be implemented. This provides a powerful tool for accurately representing the digging behaviour of the drag bucket, the response of bulk materials, and the complex interactions between bulk material and bucket surface.