Abstract
This paper describes the use of computer aided systems in connection with the design of powered roof supports to work on mechanized installations for the underground extraction of minerals, principally coal. Each roof support is made up of many structural components withstanding extreme loading conditions: hydraulic struts which hold up the roof advance the support, etc., and associated valve gear (both electronic and hydraulic control) to operate the supports. Each set of roof supports (approximately 150 per installation) is custom built to suit the particular mine's requirements.
A computer aided design (CAD) system was installed in 1979 to help with the presentation of technical brochures for presentation with the quotation to prospective customers. This proved a great success especially in the pictorial representation of the proposed support to the customer. Since then the CAD facility has been expanded, especially in the structural design area, and is now used for design and analysis as well as normal draughting of components and assemblies.
This paper emphasizes the use of CAD as a design and analysis tool rather than equipment that can produce detail drawings more quickly than manual methods. It also explores where CAD can be of benefit in hydraulic design in areas such as flow analysis and its extensions into CAD/CAM (computer aided manufacture) and general manufacturing.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.