DETERMINATION OF THE CHANGE IN MOTION MODES OF GRANULAR MEDIA IN TWO MOVING CHAMBERS OF A TUMBLING MACHINE

Abstract

Analytical studies of a machine with two moving chambers, designed for performing finishing tumbling processes, were carried out using the computer-aided design software “SolidWorks – 2024.” The research focused on analyzing the influence of such factors as the rotational speed of the drive shaft, the scaling coefficient, and the coefficient that characterizes the ratio of the total distance between the axes of the holders to the working moving chambers, on the variation of motion modes of the granular medium in each of the two chambers, which are interconnected by a prismatic kinematic pair. A classification of the motion modes of the granular medium is proposed, highlighting layered, combined, and avalanche-like regimes. Each of these motion modes defines the conditions for carrying out certain types of finishing tumbling operations or mixing processes of loose fine-dispersed materials. The influence of such factors as the speed of rotation of the drive shaft, the scale factor and the factor characterizing the ratio of the total distance between the axes of attachment of the holders to the working chambers on the change in the modes of movement of the granular medium in each of the two working chambers, which are interconnected by a kinematic pair of the translational type, was investigated. Empirical dependencies were obtained, allowing the calculation of the critical drive shaft rotation speeds at which the corresponding motion mode of the granular medium begins to form in each working chamber. It was found that the transition from layered to combined and further to avalanche-like motion in the chamber connected to the driven holder occurs at lower drive shaft speeds. However, overall, the difference in the drive shaft speeds characterizing the change of motion modes in the two chambers is relatively small and can be neglected. The derived mathematical relationships can be effectively applied by engineers at the design stage of this type of equipment.