The influence of geometry on dragline bucket filling performance

Date
1997
Authors
Esterhuyse, Schalk Willem Petrus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis desc1ibes the procedure followed in order to establish geometry changes to the current lig!1tweight dragline bucket lmilt by Wright Equipment Compan:Y to improve its performance. The bucket performs very well as is and big changes v , e not expected. This project was done as part of the Mechanical Engineering Masterr- Jegree requirements at the University of Stellenbosch, while being employed by Wriglh Equipment A scale model dragline was designed and built to be used in collecting the data. The most significant variables when considering dragline bucket filling were established and ranked according to their relative influence. The tests were done, using four different scale model dragline buckets and changing a 11umber of variables on each of them at different drag angles and in different digging conditions. Eventually it was found that a shorter, wider bucket with a lower hitch, resulted in improved performance as far as filling distance and filling energy requirements were concerned. The maximum required drag force was not increased, meaning stalling of the bucket would not be a problem. The changes do have some structural implications though aud should be investigated before any changes are made.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis be£kryf die prosedure wat gevolg is om geometrie veranderinge aan die liggewig sleepgraatbak, wat deur die maatskappy Wright Equipment vervaardig word, te ondersoek. Die uiteindelike doel was om di~ produktiwiteit van die bak (gedefinieer as die hoeveel bogrond wat in 'n gegewe tyd geskuif word} te verbeter Die projek het deel gevorm van die vereistes vir 'n Meestersgraad in Meganiese lngenieurswese by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. 'n Skaalmodel sleepgraaf is ontwerp en gebou vir gebruik in die versameling van die nodige data. Die belangrikste faktore betrokke by die vulling van sleepgraatbakke is vasgestel en in rangorde van belangrikheid gegroepeer. Vier skaalmodel sleepgraatbakke, waarop verskillende geometriese veranderinge gedoen kon word, is gebruik in toetse teen verskillendt sleephoeke en grondkondisies. Daar is gevind dat 'n korter, wyer bak met 'n laer sleeppUt"'t '1. v~rbetering in werkverrigting gee in terme van afstand om te vul en energie ve1·t.· :•.• Die maksimum sleepkrag benodig is ook nie verhoog nie, met die gevolg dat str:, l,' nie 'n probleeill sal wees me. Die voorgestelde veranderinge het egter struk.i.t..•' ic imt"i'---dsies wat eers ondersoek sal moet word voor enige veranderinge gedoen word.
Description
Thesis (MEng.) -- Stellenbosch University, 1997.
One copy microfiche.
Keywords
Draglines, Buckets (Excavating machinery), Dissertations -- Mechanical engineering, Theses -- Mechanical engineering
Citation