LHD's are expensive vehicles; therefore, it is important to accurately define the financial consequences associated with the investment of purchasing the mining equipment. This study concentrates on longterm incre...LHD's are expensive vehicles; therefore, it is important to accurately define the financial consequences associated with the investment of purchasing the mining equipment. This study concentrates on longterm incremental and sensitivity analysis to determine whether it is feasible to incorporate current battery technology into these machines. When revenue was taken into account, decreasing the amount of haulage in battery operated equipment by 5% or 200 kg per h amounts to a $4.0 × 10~4 loss of profit per year. On average it was found that using battery operated equipment generated $9.5 × 10~4 more in income annually, reducing the payback period from seven to two years to pay back the additional $1.0 × 10~5 investment of buying battery powered equipment over cheaper diesel equipment. Due to the estimated 5% increase in capital, it was observed that electric vehicles must possess a lifetime that is a minimum of one year longer than that of diesel equipment.展开更多
The results from a number of investigations and fire experiments are presented and analyzed in order to characterize the fire behavior of mining vehicles in underground hard rock mines. The analysis also includes fire...The results from a number of investigations and fire experiments are presented and analyzed in order to characterize the fire behavior of mining vehicles in underground hard rock mines. The analysis also includes fire safety and fire protection measures with respect to the mining vehicle fire behavior.Earlier studies on fires in underground hard rock mines have shown that vehicles or mobile equipment are the dominant sources of fire. A better knowledge about the fire behavior of vehicles in underground hard rock mines is therefore needed. During the analysis the direction and flow rate of the ventilation in a drift was found to have a significant impact on the fire behavior, causing for example flame tilt with rapid fire spread. The shielded sections of a vehicle will be less affected by the ventilation flow resulting in for example a decreased flame spread. It was also found that spray fires may result in considerable heat release rate but are generally of shorter duration and will not make any significant contributions to the overall heat release rate of the fully developed vehicle fire. The fire duration of a loader tire from a full-scale fire experiment was found to be at least 200 min and will largely determine the total fire duration of the vehicle. A different scenario with different conditions with for example a slower flame spread resulted in an even longer fire duration. The radiative and convective fraction will be a key factor when determining the heat transfer mechanisms involved in a fire and will vary from material to material.Calculations show that the radiative fraction of the tire fires on two mining vehicles is significantly lower than found in earlier experiments. The design and construction of the mining vehicle will have an important impact on the fire behavior and could possibly mitigate the consequences of a fire and allow fire personnel to extinguish a fire that otherwise would have had a too high heat release rate.展开更多
Deep-sea mining has emerged as a critical solution to address global resource shortages;however,the mechanical interaction between tracked mining vehicles(TMVs)and soft seabed sediments presents fundamental engineerin...Deep-sea mining has emerged as a critical solution to address global resource shortages;however,the mechanical interaction between tracked mining vehicles(TMVs)and soft seabed sediments presents fundamental engineering challenges.This study establishes a multiscale modelling framework coupling the discrete element method(DEM)with multi-body dynamics(MBD)to investigate track-seabed dynamic interactions across three operational modes:flat terrain,slope climbing,and ditch surmounting.The simulation framework,validated against laboratory experiments,systematically evaluates the influence of grouser geometry(involute,triangular,and pin-type)and traveling speed(0.2–1.0 m/s)on traction performance,slip rate,and ground pressure distribution.Results reveal rate-dependent traction mechanisms governed by soil microstructural responses:higher speeds enhance peak traction but exacerbate slip instability on complex terrain.Critical operational thresholds are established—0.7 m/s for flat terrain,≤0.5 m/s for slopes and ditches—with distinct grouser optimization strategies:involute grousers achieve 35%–40%slip reduction on slopes through progressive soil engagement,while triangular grousers provide optimal impact resistance during ditch crossing with 30%–35%performance improvement.These findings provide quantitative design criteria and operational guidelines for optimizing TMV structural parameters and control strategies,offering a robust theoretical foundation for enhancing the performance,safety,and reliability of deep-sea mining equipment in complex submarine environments.展开更多
Rising demand for minerals and metals in high-tech and new energy industries has led to a great interest in exploration of seabed mineral resources.Such resources,including polymetallic nodule(PMN),polymetallic sulphi...Rising demand for minerals and metals in high-tech and new energy industries has led to a great interest in exploration of seabed mineral resources.Such resources,including polymetallic nodule(PMN),polymetallic sulphide(PMS),and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust(CFC),are considered as an alternative source of metals to terrestrial deposits.Although a considerable number of sea trials of deep-sea mining have been carried out,the deep-sea mining does not achieve the commercial exploitation due to the complexity of deep-sea mining system and deep-sea mining environment.In fact,to achieve commercial deep-sea mining,the technology and equipment of deep-sea mining are the key points.Therefore,the present study presents the development of the technology and equipment of deep-sea mining.It commences with a requirement of technology and equipment for deep-sea mining,including environmental impact,reliability,energy cost,efficiency,etc.Then,a historical perspective and present-day effort related to deep-sea mining vehicles are given,which highlights the evolution of collection mechanism and walking mode of deep-sea mining vehicle.Subsequently,the present study discusses the operation of subsea lifting system and surface support system,shedding light on the crucial equipment and processes.The challenges and prospects in the deep-sea mining are presented in final,including environmental protection,self-propelled crawler,hydraulic pipeline lifting,and intelligent equipment,etc.展开更多
The review covers the development and the state of the art in deep-sea mining rock mechanics,equipment and challenges.It begins by introducing the significance of deep-sea mining,the types and geographical distributio...The review covers the development and the state of the art in deep-sea mining rock mechanics,equipment and challenges.It begins by introducing the significance of deep-sea mining,the types and geographical distribution of deep-sea resources.Section 2 reviews the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of seabed and related continental rocks,which contributes to the advancement of relevant technologies and theories.Deep-sea mining systems developed by coastal countries are presented in Section 3.Seabed mineral collection systems are critically assessed in Section 4.Subsea mining vehicle is reviewed by walking mechanism and controlling system in Section 5.In Section 6,the development of subsea lifting system is detailed by dividing it into hydraulic and pneumatic lifting modes,and some technical problems in the lifting system are described.An in-depth description of surface support systems is presented in Section 7,which includes the deep-sea mining ship,dynamic positioning system,heave compensation system,launch and retrieval system,mineral disposing system as well as the storage and transferring systems.Section 8 discusses the challenges in the deep-sea mining,in terms of natural occurrence conditions,international legal framework and cooperative mining,environmental protection and economic benefits,etc.Finally,a brief summary and some aspects of prospective research are presented in Section 9.展开更多
Based on main physical and mechanical properties of deep-sea sediment from C-C poly-metallic nodule mining area in the Pacific Ocean, the best sediment simulant was successfully prepared by mixing bentonite with a cer...Based on main physical and mechanical properties of deep-sea sediment from C-C poly-metallic nodule mining area in the Pacific Ocean, the best sediment simulant was successfully prepared by mixing bentonite with a certain content of water. Compression-shear coupling rheological constitutive model of the sediment simulant was established by endochronic theory and the coupling rheological parameters were obtained by compressive and compression-shear creep tests. A new calculation formula of turning traction force of the tracked mining vehicle was first derived based on the coupling rheological model and consideration of pushing resistance and sinkage of the tracked mining vehicle. Effects of the turning velocity, crawler spacing and contacting length of crawler with deep-sea sediment on the turning traction force were analyzed. Research results can provide theoretical foundation for operation safety and optimal design of the tracked mining vehicle.展开更多
The sinkage of a moving tracked mining vehicle is greatly af fected by the combined compression-shear rheological properties of soft deep-sea sediments. For test purposes, the best sediment simulant is prepared based ...The sinkage of a moving tracked mining vehicle is greatly af fected by the combined compression-shear rheological properties of soft deep-sea sediments. For test purposes, the best sediment simulant is prepared based on soft deep-sea sediment from a C-C poly-metallic nodule mining area in the Pacific Ocean. Compressive creep tests and shear creep tests are combined to obtain compressive and shear rheological parameters to establish a combined compressive-shear rheological constitutive model and a compression-sinkage rheological constitutive model. The combined compression-shear rheological sinkage of the tracked mining vehicle at dif ferent speeds is calculated using the Recur Dyn software with a selfprogrammed subroutine to implement the combined compression-shear rheological constitutive model. The model results are compared with shear rheological sinkage and ordinary sinkage(without consideration of rheological properties). These results show that the combined compression-shear rheological constitutive model must be taken into account when calculating the sinkage of a tracked mining vehicle. The combined compression-shear rheological sinkage decrease with vehicle speed and is the largest among the three types of sinkage. The developed subroutine in the Recur Dyn software can be used to study the performance and structural optimization of moving tracked mining vehicles.展开更多
To ensure the safe performance of deep-sea mining vehicles(DSMVs),it is necessary to study the mechanical characteristics of the interaction between the seabed soil and the track plate.The rotation and digging motions...To ensure the safe performance of deep-sea mining vehicles(DSMVs),it is necessary to study the mechanical characteristics of the interaction between the seabed soil and the track plate.The rotation and digging motions of the track plate are important links in the contact between the driving mechanism of the DSMV and seabed soil.In this study,a numerical simulation is conducted using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian(CEL)large deformation numerical method to investigate the interaction between the track plate of the DSMV and the seabed soil under two working conditions:rotating condition and digging condition.First,a soil numerical model is established based on the elastoplastic mechanical characterization using the basic physical and mechanical properties of the seabed soil obtained by in situ sampling.Subsequently,the soil disturbance mechanism and the dynamic mechanical response of the track plate under rotating and digging conditions are obtained through the analysis of the sensitivity of the motion parameters,the grouser structure,the layered soil features and the soil heterogeneity.The results indicate that the above parameters remarkably influence the interaction between the DSMV and the seabed soil.Therefore,it is important to consider the rotating and digging motion of the DSMV in practical engineering to develop a detailed optimization design of the track plate.展开更多
A cobalt-enriching crust mining vehicle with four independent driven wheels was proposed. The influence of center-of-gravity position of mining vehicle on obstacle performance was studied. The results show that the mi...A cobalt-enriching crust mining vehicle with four independent driven wheels was proposed. The influence of center-of-gravity position of mining vehicle on obstacle performance was studied. The results show that the mining vehicle has optimal obstacle performance with center-of-gravity position in the middle of suspension. A virtual prototype based on ADAMS software was built and its obstacle performance was simulated. Simulation results show that the mining vehicle with four independent driven wheels has excellent obstacle performance, the maximum climbing capacity is no less than 30°, the maximal ditch width and shoulder height are no less than wheel radius of mining vehicle. Thus wheeled mining vehicle is feasible for cobalt-enriching crust commercial mining.展开更多
To fulfill the operational demands of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles traversing soft seabed substrates,an evaluation of the characteristics of these substrates was conducted,drawing a comparison with the land swamp ...To fulfill the operational demands of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles traversing soft seabed substrates,an evaluation of the characteristics of these substrates was conducted,drawing a comparison with the land swamp black soil found in the buffalo's habitat.Employing the principles of biomimicry,two distinct types of bionic grouser were devised,replicating the configuration of the buffalo's hooves in both the horizontal and vertical planes.Utilizing self-constructed testing platforms,exhaustive examinations of the reinforcement efficacy of these bionic track grousers were undertaken,spanning from single-grouser to multi-grouser configurations and encompassing the entire track assembly.The findings unequivocally demonstrate a pronounced and consistent enhancement in traction force for both types of bionic grousers.Notably,the W-shaped bionic grouser,mimicking the horizontal contour of the buffalo's hoof,exhibits the most substantial increase in traction force.The maximum enhancement in traction force for individual bionic grouser exceeds 30%,while the overall track achieves an increase of over 19%.This research provides a valuable reference and establishes a foundational framework for the design of equipment tailored for the locomotion of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles across soft substrates.展开更多
文摘LHD's are expensive vehicles; therefore, it is important to accurately define the financial consequences associated with the investment of purchasing the mining equipment. This study concentrates on longterm incremental and sensitivity analysis to determine whether it is feasible to incorporate current battery technology into these machines. When revenue was taken into account, decreasing the amount of haulage in battery operated equipment by 5% or 200 kg per h amounts to a $4.0 × 10~4 loss of profit per year. On average it was found that using battery operated equipment generated $9.5 × 10~4 more in income annually, reducing the payback period from seven to two years to pay back the additional $1.0 × 10~5 investment of buying battery powered equipment over cheaper diesel equipment. Due to the estimated 5% increase in capital, it was observed that electric vehicles must possess a lifetime that is a minimum of one year longer than that of diesel equipment.
文摘The results from a number of investigations and fire experiments are presented and analyzed in order to characterize the fire behavior of mining vehicles in underground hard rock mines. The analysis also includes fire safety and fire protection measures with respect to the mining vehicle fire behavior.Earlier studies on fires in underground hard rock mines have shown that vehicles or mobile equipment are the dominant sources of fire. A better knowledge about the fire behavior of vehicles in underground hard rock mines is therefore needed. During the analysis the direction and flow rate of the ventilation in a drift was found to have a significant impact on the fire behavior, causing for example flame tilt with rapid fire spread. The shielded sections of a vehicle will be less affected by the ventilation flow resulting in for example a decreased flame spread. It was also found that spray fires may result in considerable heat release rate but are generally of shorter duration and will not make any significant contributions to the overall heat release rate of the fully developed vehicle fire. The fire duration of a loader tire from a full-scale fire experiment was found to be at least 200 min and will largely determine the total fire duration of the vehicle. A different scenario with different conditions with for example a slower flame spread resulted in an even longer fire duration. The radiative and convective fraction will be a key factor when determining the heat transfer mechanisms involved in a fire and will vary from material to material.Calculations show that the radiative fraction of the tire fires on two mining vehicles is significantly lower than found in earlier experiments. The design and construction of the mining vehicle will have an important impact on the fire behavior and could possibly mitigate the consequences of a fire and allow fire personnel to extinguish a fire that otherwise would have had a too high heat release rate.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China-Young Scientist Project(No.2024YFC2815400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52588202).
文摘Deep-sea mining has emerged as a critical solution to address global resource shortages;however,the mechanical interaction between tracked mining vehicles(TMVs)and soft seabed sediments presents fundamental engineering challenges.This study establishes a multiscale modelling framework coupling the discrete element method(DEM)with multi-body dynamics(MBD)to investigate track-seabed dynamic interactions across three operational modes:flat terrain,slope climbing,and ditch surmounting.The simulation framework,validated against laboratory experiments,systematically evaluates the influence of grouser geometry(involute,triangular,and pin-type)and traveling speed(0.2–1.0 m/s)on traction performance,slip rate,and ground pressure distribution.Results reveal rate-dependent traction mechanisms governed by soil microstructural responses:higher speeds enhance peak traction but exacerbate slip instability on complex terrain.Critical operational thresholds are established—0.7 m/s for flat terrain,≤0.5 m/s for slopes and ditches—with distinct grouser optimization strategies:involute grousers achieve 35%–40%slip reduction on slopes through progressive soil engagement,while triangular grousers provide optimal impact resistance during ditch crossing with 30%–35%performance improvement.These findings provide quantitative design criteria and operational guidelines for optimizing TMV structural parameters and control strategies,offering a robust theoretical foundation for enhancing the performance,safety,and reliability of deep-sea mining equipment in complex submarine environments.
基金the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(Grant No.52225107)National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFC2801503)for funding provided to this work.
文摘Rising demand for minerals and metals in high-tech and new energy industries has led to a great interest in exploration of seabed mineral resources.Such resources,including polymetallic nodule(PMN),polymetallic sulphide(PMS),and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust(CFC),are considered as an alternative source of metals to terrestrial deposits.Although a considerable number of sea trials of deep-sea mining have been carried out,the deep-sea mining does not achieve the commercial exploitation due to the complexity of deep-sea mining system and deep-sea mining environment.In fact,to achieve commercial deep-sea mining,the technology and equipment of deep-sea mining are the key points.Therefore,the present study presents the development of the technology and equipment of deep-sea mining.It commences with a requirement of technology and equipment for deep-sea mining,including environmental impact,reliability,energy cost,efficiency,etc.Then,a historical perspective and present-day effort related to deep-sea mining vehicles are given,which highlights the evolution of collection mechanism and walking mode of deep-sea mining vehicle.Subsequently,the present study discusses the operation of subsea lifting system and surface support system,shedding light on the crucial equipment and processes.The challenges and prospects in the deep-sea mining are presented in final,including environmental protection,self-propelled crawler,hydraulic pipeline lifting,and intelligent equipment,etc.
基金the support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51909075 and 52371275)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2021M690879)the Chinese Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.B230203007).
文摘The review covers the development and the state of the art in deep-sea mining rock mechanics,equipment and challenges.It begins by introducing the significance of deep-sea mining,the types and geographical distribution of deep-sea resources.Section 2 reviews the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of seabed and related continental rocks,which contributes to the advancement of relevant technologies and theories.Deep-sea mining systems developed by coastal countries are presented in Section 3.Seabed mineral collection systems are critically assessed in Section 4.Subsea mining vehicle is reviewed by walking mechanism and controlling system in Section 5.In Section 6,the development of subsea lifting system is detailed by dividing it into hydraulic and pneumatic lifting modes,and some technical problems in the lifting system are described.An in-depth description of surface support systems is presented in Section 7,which includes the deep-sea mining ship,dynamic positioning system,heave compensation system,launch and retrieval system,mineral disposing system as well as the storage and transferring systems.Section 8 discusses the challenges in the deep-sea mining,in terms of natural occurrence conditions,international legal framework and cooperative mining,environmental protection and economic benefits,etc.Finally,a brief summary and some aspects of prospective research are presented in Section 9.
基金Projects(51274251,11502226)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Based on main physical and mechanical properties of deep-sea sediment from C-C poly-metallic nodule mining area in the Pacific Ocean, the best sediment simulant was successfully prepared by mixing bentonite with a certain content of water. Compression-shear coupling rheological constitutive model of the sediment simulant was established by endochronic theory and the coupling rheological parameters were obtained by compressive and compression-shear creep tests. A new calculation formula of turning traction force of the tracked mining vehicle was first derived based on the coupling rheological model and consideration of pushing resistance and sinkage of the tracked mining vehicle. Effects of the turning velocity, crawler spacing and contacting length of crawler with deep-sea sediment on the turning traction force were analyzed. Research results can provide theoretical foundation for operation safety and optimal design of the tracked mining vehicle.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51274251,11502226)
文摘The sinkage of a moving tracked mining vehicle is greatly af fected by the combined compression-shear rheological properties of soft deep-sea sediments. For test purposes, the best sediment simulant is prepared based on soft deep-sea sediment from a C-C poly-metallic nodule mining area in the Pacific Ocean. Compressive creep tests and shear creep tests are combined to obtain compressive and shear rheological parameters to establish a combined compressive-shear rheological constitutive model and a compression-sinkage rheological constitutive model. The combined compression-shear rheological sinkage of the tracked mining vehicle at dif ferent speeds is calculated using the Recur Dyn software with a selfprogrammed subroutine to implement the combined compression-shear rheological constitutive model. The model results are compared with shear rheological sinkage and ordinary sinkage(without consideration of rheological properties). These results show that the combined compression-shear rheological constitutive model must be taken into account when calculating the sinkage of a tracked mining vehicle. The combined compression-shear rheological sinkage decrease with vehicle speed and is the largest among the three types of sinkage. The developed subroutine in the Recur Dyn software can be used to study the performance and structural optimization of moving tracked mining vehicles.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province(Grant No.520LH015)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities and the Major Projects of Strategic Emerging Industries in Shanghai(Grant No.BH3230001).
文摘To ensure the safe performance of deep-sea mining vehicles(DSMVs),it is necessary to study the mechanical characteristics of the interaction between the seabed soil and the track plate.The rotation and digging motions of the track plate are important links in the contact between the driving mechanism of the DSMV and seabed soil.In this study,a numerical simulation is conducted using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian(CEL)large deformation numerical method to investigate the interaction between the track plate of the DSMV and the seabed soil under two working conditions:rotating condition and digging condition.First,a soil numerical model is established based on the elastoplastic mechanical characterization using the basic physical and mechanical properties of the seabed soil obtained by in situ sampling.Subsequently,the soil disturbance mechanism and the dynamic mechanical response of the track plate under rotating and digging conditions are obtained through the analysis of the sensitivity of the motion parameters,the grouser structure,the layered soil features and the soil heterogeneity.The results indicate that the above parameters remarkably influence the interaction between the DSMV and the seabed soil.Therefore,it is important to consider the rotating and digging motion of the DSMV in practical engineering to develop a detailed optimization design of the track plate.
基金Project(DY105-03-02) supported by the State Council Ocean Special Foundation of China
文摘A cobalt-enriching crust mining vehicle with four independent driven wheels was proposed. The influence of center-of-gravity position of mining vehicle on obstacle performance was studied. The results show that the mining vehicle has optimal obstacle performance with center-of-gravity position in the middle of suspension. A virtual prototype based on ADAMS software was built and its obstacle performance was simulated. Simulation results show that the mining vehicle with four independent driven wheels has excellent obstacle performance, the maximum climbing capacity is no less than 30°, the maximal ditch width and shoulder height are no less than wheel radius of mining vehicle. Thus wheeled mining vehicle is feasible for cobalt-enriching crust commercial mining.
基金support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U1906234、No.52225107)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central 410 Universities(grant 202041004).
文摘To fulfill the operational demands of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles traversing soft seabed substrates,an evaluation of the characteristics of these substrates was conducted,drawing a comparison with the land swamp black soil found in the buffalo's habitat.Employing the principles of biomimicry,two distinct types of bionic grouser were devised,replicating the configuration of the buffalo's hooves in both the horizontal and vertical planes.Utilizing self-constructed testing platforms,exhaustive examinations of the reinforcement efficacy of these bionic track grousers were undertaken,spanning from single-grouser to multi-grouser configurations and encompassing the entire track assembly.The findings unequivocally demonstrate a pronounced and consistent enhancement in traction force for both types of bionic grousers.Notably,the W-shaped bionic grouser,mimicking the horizontal contour of the buffalo's hoof,exhibits the most substantial increase in traction force.The maximum enhancement in traction force for individual bionic grouser exceeds 30%,while the overall track achieves an increase of over 19%.This research provides a valuable reference and establishes a foundational framework for the design of equipment tailored for the locomotion of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles across soft substrates.
