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The influence of geometry on dragline bucket filling performance

Thesis (MEng.) -- Stellenbosch University, 1997. / One copy microfiche. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis desc1ibes the procedure followed in order to establish geometry changes to the
current lig!1tweight dragline bucket lmilt by Wright Equipment Compan:Y to improve its
performance. The bucket performs very well as is and big changes v , e not expected.
This project was done as part of the Mechanical Engineering Masterr- Jegree requirements
at the University of Stellenbosch, while being employed by Wriglh Equipment
A scale model dragline was designed and built to be used in collecting the data. The most
significant variables when considering dragline bucket filling were established and ranked
according to their relative influence. The tests were done, using four different scale model
dragline buckets and changing a 11umber of variables on each of them at different drag
angles and in different digging conditions.
Eventually it was found that a shorter, wider bucket with a lower hitch, resulted in
improved performance as far as filling distance and filling energy requirements were
concerned. The maximum required drag force was not increased, meaning stalling of the
bucket would not be a problem. The changes do have some structural implications though
aud should be investigated before any changes are made. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis be£kryf die prosedure wat gevolg is om geometrie veranderinge aan die liggewig
sleepgraatbak, wat deur die maatskappy Wright Equipment vervaardig word, te
ondersoek. Die uiteindelike doel was om di~ produktiwiteit van die bak (gedefinieer as die
hoeveel bogrond wat in 'n gegewe tyd geskuif word} te verbeter Die projek het deel
gevorm van die vereistes vir 'n Meestersgraad in Meganiese lngenieurswese by die
Universiteit van Stellenbosch.
'n Skaalmodel sleepgraaf is ontwerp en gebou vir gebruik in die versameling van die
nodige data. Die belangrikste faktore betrokke by die vulling van sleepgraatbakke is
vasgestel en in rangorde van belangrikheid gegroepeer. Vier skaalmodel sleepgraatbakke,
waarop verskillende geometriese veranderinge gedoen kon word, is gebruik in toetse teen
verskillendt sleephoeke en grondkondisies.
Daar is gevind dat 'n korter, wyer bak met 'n laer sleeppUt"'t '1. v~rbetering in
werkverrigting gee in terme van afstand om te vul en energie ve1·t.· :•.• Die maksimum
sleepkrag benodig is ook nie verhoog nie, met die gevolg dat str:, l,' nie 'n probleeill sal
wees me. Die voorgestelde veranderinge het egter struk.i.t..•' ic imt"i'---dsies wat eers
ondersoek sal moet word voor enige veranderinge gedoen word.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/55728
Date January 1997
CreatorsEsterhuyse, Schalk Willem Petrus
ContributorsBasson, A. H., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
PublisherStellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Languageen_ZA
Detected LanguageUnknown
TypeThesis
Format98 leaves : ill.
RightsStellenbosch University

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