A Knowledge Base of the Functional Properties of the Conveyor Belt Adhesive Joint for FEM Simulation of Its Stress and Strain State

Abstract

This paper describes a step-by-step procedure for creating a knowledge base of the functional properties of multi-ply rubber conveyor belts. The knowledge was gathered during laboratory studies of the operational features of belts and their joints which had been manufactured using various bonding methods. The measurements were done on the conveyor belts at different stages of their use and also under industrial conditions. The results of the laboratory studies were used to verify a numerical model developed for a typical conveyor belt adhesive joint manufactured from several rubber materials with different properties. The development of the finite element numerical model was preceded by strength tests aimed at identifying the strength properties of the rubber materials used as the constituent elements of the joint. The causes of previous errors made in the course of preparing material models for numerical simulation were described and a proper method for carrying out strength tests was proposed. The collected data and the numerical model of the joint were used to perform a simulation of the state of stress and strain in the area of the joint. This made possible a detailed analysis of the processes occurring within the joint in terms of fatigue performance. The numerical model can be used in the analysis and optimization of various joint structures made from rubber materials with different strength properties. An analysis was also carried out of the influence of the thickness of the adhesive layer on the strength of a joint to illustrate the possibility of using the developed model for the optimization of joint geometry. The goal of the numerical analysis was to estimate the possibility of using the developed model of the joint for predicting the durability and strength of the joint, as well as using it at the structural design stage of the joint.