Virtual Prototype Modeling and Starting Method of Belt Conveyor

Abstract

Large scale belt conveyor is a key device to transport bulk-solid material for long distance. It is necessary to build rational virtual prototype model, analysis dynamic performance of belt conveyor. Comparing with traditional physical prototyping and experimental way, shorter design cycle and lower development costs will be got by using virtual prototype. It is helpful to choose the best design which is rational in technique, safe and reliable in running, feasible in economy. Considered actual working conditions, a virtual prototype model is built and validated by dynamics analysis. Three starting methods including direct starting mode, traditional Harrison method and soft starting are compared. The simulation results of virtual prototype show that direct starting method will lead to higher dynamic tension extreme value and larger fluctuation, dynamic tension is significantly reduced with the traditional Harrison method, and the average dynamic tension of soft starting consider the actual condition is dropped to minimum and the whole system is more stable.