Analytical and numerical estimates of the stress state of units of a mining shovel boom

Abstract

The boom units of a mining shovel are structurally complex metal structures of large dimensions. Traditional methods of design calculations for such structures are based on beamtype structural models, while the actual configuration is taken into account by introducing complex built-up sections which include sections of pipes, sheets, and ribs. The correspondence of such beam-type structural models has not been systematically studied yet, which leads to crack initiation and destruction of structures on the one hand and to an unreasonably high use of metal on the other. As a result of numerical analysis of the boom units in three-dimensional statement, the actual errors of beam-type structural models in characteristic sections of structures in the most complex design cases of mining shovel loading have been determined and analysed.