Studying methods to improve drive wheel operation efficiency in the supporting system for mine tunnel construction

Abstract

Nowadays, the process of excavating the tunnel through drilling and blasting has only mechanized the loading and unloading process. However, other stages are still primarily carried out manually, including raising support beams, moving beams to support the upper beams (using steel arch supports), and transporting materials from the gathering place to the excavation tunnel location. Furthermore, there are no shields at the tunnel excavation site to prevent falling rocks, creating a potential safety hazard. The system for supporting mine tunnel construction is designed to address these issues. It utilizes a single-rail pneumatic mono rail platform, which offers numerous benefits such as a low mass coefficient, maximum usable area within the tunnel, increased safety during operation, and easy installation and dismantling. The use of rubber or polymer-coated rollers in the drive wheels of pneumatic monorail helps increase the adhesion coefficient between the wheels and rails, reduce dynamic loads and reduce noise levels during operation. However, because equipment working in underground mine conditions causes the polymer layer on the wheels to wear out quickly, it is necessary to evaluate the durability of the polymer rims of the drive wheels under their operating conditions. The purpose of this study is to improve the durability and reliability of the system that supports mine tunnel construction. The research results obtained the stress distribution on the contact area between the wheel rim and the rail, which can help propose measures to enhance the lifespan of the drive wheels in a mono rail drive system. The study revealed that traction, travel speed, and wheel diameter have a significant impact on the lifespan of polymer rims. The developed mathematical model allows for the determination of drive wheel parameters based on the durability of the polymer rim and the maximum traction on the device.