Due to the sophistication of our discrete element modelling software, RTA is a world leader in the simulation and enhancement of industrial bulk materials handling operations. With our ability to model particle populations in the order of millions, RTA can solve and analyse materials handling issues associated with; ground engagement, ore delivery, silo storage, bulk material flow, conveying, transfer stations, and ship loading.
Rockfield's Discrete Element technology is appropriate for application to complex problems for industry in the following areas:
Chute and Conveyor Analysis
Discrete Element Methods (DEM) provide an efficient technique for the analysis of bulk handling machinery, and is favoured over the standard bulk handling analysis based on statically measured flow properties alone. DEM is a powerful tool for gaining insight into the flow behaviour of particulate materials through chute systems; providing an excellent visual and analytical means for proofing and optimisation of designs before full scale production.
RTA has conducted numerous analyses of conveyor chute systems using DEM to confirm anticipated mass-flow capabilities. The analysis has also reviewed effects related to an increase in particulate moisture content and modelling adjustments to analyse various surface material types for improved friction and wear. These projects have provided clients confidence in new design capabilities and chute modifications proposed for efficiency gains. Additionally, our ability to analyse material types and ascertain appropriate friction, cohesion and adhesion properties through use of laboratory facilities has complemented these DEM studies and provided a suite of material properties for use in this form of computational modelling.
Projects have investigated bulk flow through bottom dump coal wagons, focussing on the operational imperative of successful coal discharge and utilising FEA and DEM to understand the interaction effects of coal and wagon design (geometry and material type). RTA performed extensive DEM, using both two and three dimensional techniques, to ascertain flowability of alternate design geometries.
Ground Engaging Tools
Several different aspects of a given earthmoving operation can be analysed, including material variations, wear regions and resultant forces from a range of geometries and operator variables. Your gain from this technology can be used to increase profits from reduced running costs (fuel and maintenance) and time savings from improved tool design.
Projects have investigated the relationships between various drag line buckets and dozer blade geometries, using discrete elements to ascertain margins of efficiency and performance. The use of DEM allows various geometries and attack angles to be simulated, providing relationships between filling time, power consumption, wear regions and efficiency.
The application of RTA's experience and knowledge of coal flow is something that has been readily extended to analyse material flow with earthmoving equipment. DEM allows for studies of excavator bucket designs, dozer blades and applications where a study of power consumption, wear and optimised filling or movement of a bulk material is to be achieved
Structural Integrity and Reinforcement Analysis
The application of discrete element analysis to masonry structures provides techniques to understand loading effects on aged structures (i.e. towers, bridges and tunnels). RTA also provides an ability to model the resistance to collapse of underground cavities, enabling engineers to better plan future works to minimize hazards. Supplementing the area of underground cavities and masonry structures are methods for measuring the effectiveness and integrity of rock bolts to determine the pull out forces and various rock bolt arrangements to determine their optimal positioning.
Fracture and Damage
The inherent ability of the ELFEN software to accurately describe the physics of fracture and damage makes it the ideal tool for the design and optimisation of brittle materials. The ELFEN package includes multi-fracturing features that are suited to a wide variety of applications including concrete integrity assessment, rock fracture, and modern armour systems.