Utilizing numerical simulation to determine the reasonable parameters for the design of hydraulic rock-splitting head

Abstract

The hydraulic rock splitter with a wedge-type splitting head has various advantages, such as simple operation, high work efficiency, safety, shortened work time, and minimal environmental impact. The splitting head driven by a hydraulic cylinder, is the focus of this research, as it directly influences work efficiency. This paper introduces the general structure of the rock splitter machine and the hydraulic cylinder-driven splitting head, along with the method for selecting suitable parameters. To evaluate and select suitable variables, this study establishes procedures and calculation methods for two sets of problems: determining the parameters for the wedge and the parameters for the hydraulic cylinder. The numerical test results provide a design dataset applicable to real-world scenarios, including the wedge angle, cylinder stroke, cylinder diameter, pressure, minimum cylinder wall thickness, and piston rod diameter, corresponding to the respective rock-splitting forces. These parameters meet the set objectives of cylinder pushing force and minimize the cross-sectional area of the cylinder body, contributing to weight reduction and operational convenience.