Effect of Crusher Arm Position and Surface Friction on the Mechanical Behaviour of a Crusher under Static Conditions

Abstract

Crushers are utilized to break down or crush various components in industrial applications are subjected to high stresses. The crushing process is carried out by a crusher arm located on the crusher itself. The shape and length of the crusher arm influence the deformation on the arm and the efficiency of crushing process. During the crushing process, stress concentrations occur at the contact regions and especially at the connection location of the crusher arm and the drive shaft. This study examined the connection of the crusher arm at various positions on the shaft and explored variations in stress. Finite element analysis was used in the analyses. The used material is standard steel that behaved elastically. The stresses changed in a way that was not proportional to the movement of the tangential crusher arm towards the center of the shaft. The d=8 mm and d=24 mm locations are the most suitable places to move the crusher arm rather than the tangential position (d=40 mm). The highest stresses occurred at the corners where the shaft and crusher arm connected and formed a stress concentration. The friction effects on the contact surface were also examined and the increased friction coefficient slightly reduced the stress values of the crusher system, but increased the stresses on the crushed object. Only maximum stress levels that are observed at the surface of the beam are mainly considered. The results regarding the crusher arm are discussed in detail.