Numerical modelling of fragmented mined rock flow during ore drawing using the Rocky DEM programme

The results of analyzing the existing methods and algorithms of predicting losses and dilution of ore at its release through the inlets after the explosive crushing of the rock mass have been presented. It has been shown that the process of ore release requires a deeper study based on improving methods of modeling the behavior of the crushed rock mass, which has an uneven granulometric composition. As the research methods at the laboratory stands are laborious and insufficiently informative, it has been proposed to use the methods of numerical simulation of discrete medium behavior implemented in the ROCKY DEM programme as a tool for research of the rock mass release process. The results of calibration numerical experiments on the bottom ore output on the models of bunkers have been presented. Influence of shape and size of pieces, homogeneity of granulometric composition, state of simulated material on the release process has been described. The analysis of the movement of pieces in numerical experiments has shown that the trajectory of their movement to the outlet is more like a graph of a cubic function, rather than a quadratic one, as is commonly considered in the theory of release. As a result, the conclusion has been made about the adequacy of the numerical model and the possibility of its use to study the process of release of crushed rock mass in various technological schemes.