Minimization of wear in a transfer chute by geometric optimization of convex pattern surface: A DEM study

Using bionic surface on the material equipment interface of bulk handling equipment is a promising solution for wear reduction. A bionic surface is a flat surface outfitted with a pattern of convexes that disrupt the natural sliding flow of bulk material. Previous numerical work has shown a significant reduction of wear of bionic surfaces compared to a smooth surface.
The aim of this paper is to study the influence of bionic configurations on wear reduction. Four geometric parameters were introduced to define the shape and size of these convex patterns. The geometric convex patterns were evaluated with the aid of Discrete Element Method (DEM). The simulated material was iron ore with d50 of 10 mm sliding down a smooth chute transitioning into bionic surface of different geometric configurations. Hertz-Mindlin (no slip) model and Archard wear model were implemented to calculate the sliding wear volume. The experimental plan was based on a full factorial design, which varied the parameters of a0, a0:b0, c0 and d0.
Simulation results show that different patterns of convexes have different influence on wear volumes and velocities of particles. The factors a0 and d0 of each pattern have significant influence on sliding wear, while there are insignificant interactions between geometric parameters. It is found that the existence of convex patterns makes the particles closest to the chute’s surface have the tendency to slow down, causing the remainder of the particles to slide and roll over these bottom particles instead of sliding directly over the surface.