Numerical Modeling of Mine Hoist Disc Brake Temperature for Safer Operation

Abstract

The sustainable exploitation of raw materials, with improved safety and increased productivity, is closely linked to the development of mechanical mining installations. Mine hoists are designed for the transport of material, equipment and personnel between the mine surface and the underground. The mine hoist braking system is of paramount importance in its safe operation. Thus, for both drum and disc brake systems, the temperature of the friction surfaces is important for ensuring efficient braking, as exceeding the temperature threshold causes a decrease in the braking capacity. In this paper we present a numerical calculation model for the temperature of the braking disc of a mine hoist in the case of emergency braking. A real-scale model was built, based on the cable drive wheel and disc brake system of a hoisting machine used in Romania. Real material characteristics were imposed for the brake discs, the cable drive wheel and the brake pads. The simulation was performed for decelerations of 3, 3.5, 4 and 4.5 m/s2. The analysis shows that regardless of the acceleration and time simulated, the disc temperature reaches its maximum after 1.35 s of emergency braking. This value does not exceed the 327 °C limit where, according to previous studies, the braking power starts to fade. It means that the emergency braking is safe for the acceleration and masses under consideration, in the case of the studied mine hoist.