Coupled simulations of a ship unloading grab bucket utilising discrete element modelling and multi-body dynamics

The design of bulk material handling machinery such as ship unloading grab buckets currently involves producing a design, manufacturing a prototype, testing the prototype, evaluating the results and then, if required, producing a modified design. This research aims to investigate if this design process can be made more effective, efficient and economical through the use of coupled simulations of Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD). With advancements in computer technologies, the use of these types of software has increased but the capabilities of coupled simulations are still being determined. As a result, this research primarily focusses on how this software can be used, what quantifiable results could be obtained and how these compare to results obtained from stand-alone DEM simulations. There was also some investigation into which parameters are critical when designing grab buckets. Whilst setting up a coupled simulation is more complicated than an stand-alone EDEM simulation, the additional results that the coupled simulations provide should give a better picture as to how the system as a whole is functioning. The results also show that understanding the properties of the material that the bucket is being used on is important at the design stage. Therefore, it is the conclusion that these simulations have great potential in aiding in the design and analysis of bulk materials handling equipment but until further research is completed that validates the results obtained through experimentation their use will be limited.