Análisis mediante simulación computacional utilizando el método de elementos discretos DEM para determinar la deformación de la cuchara de una retroexcavadora

Abstract

In the mining area, the work performed by the different types of existing machinery is continuous and of great effort, in a hydraulic backhoe loader the element that suffers the greatest deterioration with the passage of time is the bucket because it is the element that has the greatest interaction with hard surfaces. Therefore, the objective of this final research work was to analyze the deformation of the bucket using the discrete element method (DEM) and the comparison with the finite element method (FEM). As a starting point, an exhaustive search for detailed and reliable information on the application of the method in heavy machinery equipment began. For this purpose, the Komatsu hydraulic backhoe loader of the Heavy Machinery Workshop at Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo was chosen. The identification of the bucket material was carried out through spectrometry tests and as a result an AISI-1045 steel was identified for the bucket material. Likewise, we proceeded to design the element in 3D using CAE software with the help of the technical data obtained from the machine and with the help of measuring instruments for greater accuracy at the time of the result. The geometry was imported according to the compatibility of software files. The two analyses were performed in order to observe the differences that they have when delivering simulation results. It was possible to compare the results of the two methods and it was determined that it is feasible to carry out a study using the discrete element method (DEM), since it allowed us to observe through simulation the work done by the bucket and the efforts produced when interacting with a hard surface (Earth).