The increase of grab lifetime through wear management

Bulk handling grabs wear due to interaction with bulk material. In this research the geometrical shape of the grab is adjusted to reduce this wear. A DEM simulation using an iron ore pellet material model, created by S. Lommen, is used to assess different concepts. The material model is validated for forces, but not for wear. Wear measurements are performed on an existing grab. The results are compared to the simulation results to validate the material model. This comparison shows that adjustments are required to make the model more accurate for wear. The model is adjusted by changing the static friction coefficient. This adjusted model is used to assess the concept solutions. The concept solutions aim to reduce wear during unloading of the grab. The results show that reducing wear by changing the geometrical shape of the grab is possible. However, there is a trade off with the performance of the grab.Marine Technology | Transport Engineering and Logistic