Research Article
Supervisor-Field Engineering Approach (S-FEA) of Determining Tyre Failures in the Haul Trucks at Newmont Ahafo Mine
Festus Kunkyin-Saadaari*
,
Richard Gyebuni,
Clifford Asamoah-Danquah
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
20-34
Received:
9 April 2024
Accepted:
22 April 2024
Published:
17 May 2024
Abstract: Surface mining operations depend critically on the durability and performance of haul truck tyres, as achieving optimal operational hours directly influences cost-effectiveness and productivity. This study delves into the causes of premature tyre failures, which prevent mining companies from reaching their operational targets. Among the most frequent types of tyre damage are bead damage, separation, punctures, heat separation, impacts, liner, tube, or rust band failures, radial cracks, and failures due to repairs. Additional issues include seized brakes, shoulder and sidewall cuts, tread chunking, and tread cuts, as well as wear from normal operations. To systematically identify and analyse these failures, the study employed the Supervisor-Field Engineering Approach (S-FEA) during the period from January 2020 to December 2020. The findings indicate that the predominant causes of significant tyre failures are multifaceted, including poor underfoot conditions, presence of water, operator negligence, and incorrect tyre inflation. Other critical factors contributing to tyre deterioration are excessive heat generation, and mechanical stress such as spinning, skidding, or sliding. Additionally, external factors such as rocks becoming lodged between dual wheels, underinflation, and overloading were identified as contributing to tyre failures. The study strongly recommends that mining operations adhere to the specified Ton Mile Per Hour (TMPH) ratings, which are designed to optimize tyre performance by matching tyre capabilities with the operational demands. By adhering to these guidelines, mines can enhance tyre longevity, reduce downtime due to tyre failures, and ultimately achieve a more efficient and cost-effective mining operation. This approach not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also contributes to sustainable mining practices by reducing waste and increasing the reuse of resources.
Abstract: Surface mining operations depend critically on the durability and performance of haul truck tyres, as achieving optimal operational hours directly influences cost-effectiveness and productivity. This study delves into the causes of premature tyre failures, which prevent mining companies from reaching their operational targets. Among the most freque...
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Research Article
Design of a LabVIEW-Based Virtual Instrument for the Disabled
Chamod Rathnayake,
Eranda Dhanushka,
Sanjaya Thilakarathne*,
Thushani Mallikarathne,
Madhushani Perera
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
35-43
Received:
5 February 2024
Accepted:
13 March 2024
Published:
3 June 2024
Abstract: The eye is a prominent organ with complex functions that play a crucial role in our daily lives. The ability to perceive objects from varying distances and angles is vital for navigation, interaction, and understanding the world around us. The coordination of multiple muscles to move the eye allows us to focus on specific points of interest and gather visual information effectively. The concept of using the electrical signals generated by eye movements, known as the electrooculogram (EOG), has been studied in this research. EOG signals can be captured by placing electrodes around the eyes and measuring the potential differences generated as the eyes move. It was noted that a limited number of studies were carried out on EOG-based designs. However, continued research and development in this area have the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and contribute to our understanding of both the visual system and human-computer interaction. This paper focuses on addressing the relatively underexplored areas of vertical and horizontal eye movements, as well as eye blinking, in the context of electrooculogram (EOG)-based designs. In this research, sharp EOG signals were observed in different eye movement patterns, and those signals were utilized to control assistive devices for individuals with mobility impairments with the LabVIEW software interface.
Abstract: The eye is a prominent organ with complex functions that play a crucial role in our daily lives. The ability to perceive objects from varying distances and angles is vital for navigation, interaction, and understanding the world around us. The coordination of multiple muscles to move the eye allows us to focus on specific points of interest and gat...
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Research Article
Basic Analysis of Skew Plates with Openings
Mohammed Faruqi*,
Mohammed Waseuddin,
Breanna Bailey,
Francisco Aguiniga
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
44-52
Received:
20 May 2024
Accepted:
4 June 2024
Published:
19 June 2024
Abstract: Skew plates are important elements of many structures. The two-dimensional structural action of plates results in lighter structures and therefore offer numerous economic advantages. Their application is extensive in fields of engineering such as: civil, mechanical, architecture, and aerospace. Openings of various shapes are made in the skew plates for practical reasons. Unfortunately, this results in strength degradations. Accordingly, there is a basic need to evaluate the structural behavior of these plates with some commonly used openings for a safe design. However, due to the mathematical difficulties in the analytical approaches and complex work involved in the various techniques, the extraction of solutions become challenging and cumbersome. Therefore, this basic work attempts to resolve this in a simplified and user-friendly manner using MSC (MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation) Nastran software. Five commonly used openings were used for the study, namely: circular, rectangular, square, triangular, and trapezoidal. It was found that rectangular opening is the best. Since it is susceptible to less deflections, rotations and moments when compared to other openings.
Abstract: Skew plates are important elements of many structures. The two-dimensional structural action of plates results in lighter structures and therefore offer numerous economic advantages. Their application is extensive in fields of engineering such as: civil, mechanical, architecture, and aerospace. Openings of various shapes are made in the skew plates...
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