Algorithm modeling the operation of an automatic alignment system for coal-cutting equipment

Abstract

Automatic alignment systems (AAS) are a very promising class of devices for keeping coal-cutting equipment on a straight line. Experience in the design of AAS and preliminary tests have revealed that the choice of fundamental parameters for the system--such as the zone of permissible curves and the spacing of linearity-monitoring transducers and electrohydraulic control valves--depends largely on the construction of the coal-cutting machine itself. But the influence of these parameters on the effectiveness of AAS has not been studied. As the construction of such systems, together with the coal-cutting machines, and their testing are very time-consuming and expensive, it is important to find methods of studying AAS which can be used as the design stage. Using the fundamental principles of statistical investigation of automatic alignment systems for the bases of coal-cutting machines, with the use of the techniques used in research on the movement of the bases in the plane of the seam, we have devised an algorithm for computer simulation of the operation of an AAS.