Dynamic analysis of indentation rolling resistance of steel cord rubber conveyor belt

Abstract

To study the variation trend of the indentation rolling resistance of a rubber conveyor belt under different environmental temperatures, the sinusoidal compression displacement test was first carried out on the rubber matrix at six temperatures between -20 °C and 40 °C by a high and low temperature universal testing machine. Elastic modulus E1, E2 and loss factor tan θ of the rubber matrix were identified using the Fourier series. Then, the dynamic contact characteristics between the idling roller and conveyor belt were analyzed by the viscoelastic mechanics theory. Hence, the calculation equation of the indentation rolling resistance in the full thickness direction of the conveyor belt was deduced. Finally, a practical calculation and experimental verification of the indentation rolling resistance of the steel cord rubber conveyor belt at different temperatures were conducted. The results showed that the drop of the indentation rolling resistance of the conveyor belt was significant when the temperature was increased in the range of -20–10 °C. In the range of 10–40 °C, the influence of the increase of the ambient temperature on the indentation rolling resistance was relatively weak. Additionally, it is found that the contact force in the vertical direction and the idling roller diameter are important factors that affect the indentation rolling resistance of the conveyor belt. The influence of belt speed on the indentation rolling resistance is weak.