Cutting load analysis and Optimization methods of the Bauxite Shearers

Bauxite shearers frequently face challenges such as difficult drum traction, significant load fluctuations, and a short lifespan of conical picks during operation, all of which adversely affect equipment stability. To improve the reliability of the bauxite shearers, rock fragmentation tests were conducted using a servo press and a cutting test equipment. The finite element method is employed to simulate the working process of the drum in order to determine the forces acting on both the total drum and each individual conical pick. Additionally, a method aimed at reducing the force on the drum is proposed and simulated. The research results indicate that the traction resistance of the drum can be reduced and the stability of equipment operation can be increased by appropriately increasing the cutting distance of the vane conical picks, adopting a sequential conical picks arrangement method, and retracting the end plate conical picks.