Coupling Properties of Chain Drive System under Various and Eccentric Loads

Abstract

The chain drive system is a core subsystem of heavy scraper conveyors. During operation, violent oscillations of fluctuating loads on the chain and uneven loads at the two chain sides are observed, thus intensifying chain wear and even causing chain breakage. The dynamic properties of a chain drive system under various load and eccentric load were discussed thoroughly by combining dynamic and discrete element coupling analyses to improve the reliability of the scraper conveyor. Based on the discrete element method and multibody dynamic theory, a coupling analysis model of a scraper conveyor was constructed, and a simulation analysis on coal conveying process under various load and eccentric load was carried out. Simulation results demonstrate that the transverse vibration of the chain is positively related to coal conveying quantity, whereas longitudinal vibration is negatively correlated to coal conveying quantity. The transverse vibration rate under full loads is 513.62 % higher than that under idle condition, while the longitudinal vibration rate is 53.44 % lower. The effects of coals on transverse vibration and longitudinal vibration of a chain ring are opposite.