Finite Element Analysis And Optimization On Main Components Of Circular Stacker Reclaimer

The circular stacker reclaimer, as a kind of large-scale bulk material handling machines in environmental protection, is widely used in industry of port, electricity, coal mine and metallurgy. As the oversized steel structure, not only the stiffness designs and strength designs have to be considered, but also the static and dynamic balance stability, which is more important and the first to be considered. It is conservative for most formers designers to make calculation according to simple formula and determine the dimension of the structure by experiences. In consequent, more materials are used to satisfy the strength and the stiffness but make the structure heavier. By this way, the cost increased a lot. As oversized steel structure, the circular stacker reclaimer has a big weight, and it is not economical method by using thicker material and enlarging structure to solve the problem of the stiffness and the strength. As single production, the design of each part is different from the former one and the design experience has not too much effect. The finite element method, as a numeric method, can simulate a variety of physic area and support the design of the steel structure.As assistant measure in designing structure, the finite element analysis is widely used for many years to make analysis on static and dynamic load. Designers can optimize and reanalyze the design scheme by using the finite element method, which can draw the reliable analysis results. Time and cost also have been saved.Based on finite element method and mechanical principle, this paper uses ALGOR 16 software to simply the preliminary design of steel structure. The mechanical performances under several normal and utmost working conditions have been analyzed by adding the boundary displacements conditions after settling the model. The gravity center was found not reasonable to cause overstress on support parts and central pole and was not inconformity with standard JB/T8849-2005C. Modification has to be done. For reclaiming ring, by this method, 10-ton weight was cut to save production cost. As newly developing bulk material handling equipment, the core know-how was controlled by some developed countries and less reference material in China. However, by using finite element analysis, the stress distribution of whole machine under all kinds of working conditions was obtained and thus for other equipment in the future.The circular stacker reclaimer has the features of single structure and clear division. Owing to the finite element analysis on the machine to be used by Changchun 3rd Thermal Power Plant, the result is full and accurate. The design period was shortened to save cost and time.