Authors: V.V. Aksenov, A.I. Kopytov, D.A. Pashkov, A.A. Wetti

Title of the article: Justification of discrete element method parameters for simulation of emergency spillage from a mine skip

Year: 2026, Issue: 2, Pages: 134-143

Branch of knowledge: 2.8.8 Geotechnology, mining machines

Index UDK: 004.94 : 622.256.753 : 622.678.53

DOI: 10.26730/1999-4125-2026-2-134-143

Abstract: During the reconstruction of mining enterprises, it is essential to integrate the deepening of vertical shafts with the continuous operation of the production hoist responsible for transporting mined rock to the surface. The safety of workers involved in shaft deepening is ensured by the installation of protective platforms. According to design specifications, a mining enterprise undergoes several reconstruction stages throughout its life cycle, which is necessary to maintain or increase production capacity and to maximize mineral recovery within the boundaries of the mining allotment. Deepening of vertical shafts represents a critical stage of reconstruction, as only upon its completion can development workings be carried out at the next level. These operations are aimed at preparing new ore reserves for subsequent extraction. When shaft deepening is performed under conditions of an active production hoist, protective platforms must be installed to safeguard workers from the potential falling contents of the hoisting vessels. These platforms must be capable of withstanding substantial impact loads. Existing methods for estimating impact loads on protective platforms do not fully satisfy modern engineering requirements. This is primarily due to the use of empirical design formulas containing numerous difficult-to-determine coefficients and the absence of computer-based mathematical modeling and simulation techniques in parameter determination. The development of design solutions for wedge-type protective platforms is directly dependent on the parameters of the simulation-based mathematical model. In this study, to ensure the reliability of simulation results in the Rocky DEM environment, an analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of particle geometry and the finite-element mesh size of the target surface of the wedge-type protective platform used for exporting impact load data.

Key words: Vertical shaft skip hoist wedge-type protective shelf emergency spillage magnetite ore DEM

Receiving date: 24.12.2025

Approval date: 15.05.2026

Publication date: 29.06.2026

CITE DOWNLOAD