Improving the efficiency of heading and winning machines for potash ore extraction based on their drive load data

Introduction. The article considers the substantiation of rational parameters of potash rock mass fragmentation by the planetary disk cutting tools of heading and winning machines. The implementation of automatic planetary tool drives control systems is regarded as promising. The automatic drive control system allows maintaining the parameters of potash mass destruction in the ranges of rational values. ISSN 0536-1028 «Известия вузов. Горный журнал», № 3, 2021 105 Research methodology. The parameters of potash rock mass destruction by the cutters of planetary-disk cutting tools in modern combines “Ural-20R” were calculated. It was revealed that at a productivity of 7 t/min, the main cutting tools destroy the massif with a small cutting spacing. The small cutting pitch is the reason for the increased yield of unmanageable classes in the mined ore. Results. A method is proposed for automatic control of the “Ural” combine planetary tool cutting discs translational rotational speed. This method will make it possible to destroy the potash mass with rational cutting parameters, based on drive load data. Findings. The proposed technical solutions will increase the efficiency of potash ore mining by the heading and winning machines. Automatic control systems for planetary disc cutting tools operating based on drive load data will increase the adaptability and energy efficiency of the heading and winning machines under actual operating conditions.

Implementation of Automatic Sample and Composite Element Cutting Technologies

The article presents the methodology of introducing automatic carbon fiber panel cutting technologies at the Composite Testing Laboratory of the Institute of Aviation. It describes the process of implementing the new cutting technology which boosts the efficiency of preparing composite samples for strength testing, with the requirements applicable to edge smoothness and dimension tolerances taken into consideration. It also reviews the literature concerned with three most popular composite material cutting methods: laser cutting, abrasive water jet cutting and machining, presenting the strong and the weak points of each one of them. After selecting the machining technology relying on a disc, cutting tests have been performed. Cutting discs coated with diamond particles, and carbon fiber panels were used during the tests. The tests were performed with the use of the INFOTEC CNC machine, with an adapter enabling the installation of cutting discs with the maximum diameter of 150 mm.

A research station with a two-disc cutting unit for studying the cutting process of energy

The paper presents the construction of a new research station for studying the cutting process of energy plants. The station consists of 3 basic units: a truck with drive and cutting units, a frame which is a guide for the truck moving on it, and a base for placing the plant’s stems. The station allows to determine the unitary energy of the cutting process for various rotary and travelling speeds of the cutting unit and for various sizes, spacing and angles of inclination of the cutting discs. It also allows to form freely the cut plants’ stems’ sockets.