The Optimal Design Model for a New Type of Scraper and Research on Its Material Properties

Mining scrapers as an important part of scraper conveyors are highly prone to wear and fatigue failure. A new scraper capable of turning sliding friction into rolling friction was designed to limit wear and reduce failure rate. To determine the safety and reliability of the new scraper, numerical pulling force measurement was conducted on its physical model and finite element analysis was performed on its 3D model based on SolidWorks Simulation. The results were then compared with data of the traditional scraper. Numerical pulling force measurement results indicated impressively lower friction for the new scraper. Stress, strain, and displacement distributions obtained by static stress analysis based on SolidWorks Simulation proved conformance with the strength and deflection standards. Damage percentage and total life nephograms yielded from fatigue analysis indicated no significant life reduction. Numerical pulling force measurement combined with analysis based on SolidWorks Simulation can help reduce the production cost and development cycle. It plays a great role in determining the safety, reliability, and stability of the new scraper.