Investigation on the uneven distribution of different types of ores in the hopper and stock surface during the charging process of blast furnace based on discrete element method

The model of an actual 4070 m3 bell-less top blast furnace with two parallel hoppers was established, and the distribution of the sinter, pellet, and lump ore in the hopper and the stock surface was analyzed based on the discrete element method. The results show that the distribution of different types of ores is not uniform in the hopper already. In the radial direction of the stock surface, the sinter volume fraction in the center and peripheral region of the stock surface is higher than that in the intermediate region of the stock surface, but the volume distribution of the pellet and lump ore is opposite to the sinter volume distribution. Owing to the size of lump ore is small, so the pressure drop of burden layer in the intermediate region of the stock surface is larger than that in the center and peripheral region. In the circumferential direction of the stock surface, the standard deviation of the volume distribution of the sinter, pellet, and lump ore is 1.28, 0.92 and 0.49, respectively.

Modeling Cutter Engagement Region for Triangular Mesh

Cutter Engagement Region (CER) is the part of tool that contacts with stock, where a series of energy exchange and material transportation take place. A full understanding of its shape and area is indispensible for cutting force calibration, chatter analysis, and tool wear prevention. It can provide a criterion for efficient tool-path planning as well. In literature, however, there is no available modeling of CER. We hereby propose a modeling method for ball-end tool with design surface represented in triangular mesh. First, design surface is offset to form a stock surface. Next, compute the intersection between every triangular facet and the tool. Then, connect all the intersecting arcs to form the boundary of CER. Finally, compute the area of CER. Experimental validation for the proposed method is still needed.