Non-Linear Model for Dynamic Analysis of Conveyors
Abstract
This paper describes the dynamic analysis of a conveyor belt based on a finite element model. Each element in the model contains a mass, stiffness and damping component. In particular the stiffness element contains a non-linear characteristic to account for the stiffness behavior of the belt at low tensions. The dynamic model was produced from the static analysis of the conveyor which included an analytical drag model based on the work of Jonkers [4], Spaans [7], Wheeler [8] and SKF [2]. The analytical drag model has also been incorporated into the dynamic model to show the change in drag due to different tensions throughout the belt. The drag model described is based on the methods established in published papers. The result of this dynamic model is representation of the tensions in a conveyor belt. In particular it enables low tensions to be modeled accurately.