Development of a Wireless and Dynamic Scaled Model Shearer for An Optically Accessible Longwall Mine Model

PROJECT NUMBER: 81

AUTHOR: Finnegan Wilson, Mechanical Engineering

MENTOR: Jurgen Brune, Mining Engineering | MENTOR: Gregory Bogin, Mechanical Engineering

ABSTRACT

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In longwall coal mining operations, methane gas mixes with air to form an explosive combination, putting workers at risk. A 1/40th scale model longwall coal mine has been designed to simulate methane propagation and to explore methane control within a full sized mine. To generate a dynamically accurate model, the scaled down mining equipment must behave accurately. The 1/40th scale model of a CAT shearer has simplified motions to model the original at a small scale. The model requires air tight seals to achieve accurate flow, so the model shearer is wirelessly charged and wirelessly controlled.

VISUAL PRESENTATION

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

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Finnegan is a second year student from Crested Butte, CO. He is in the mechanical engineering department and pursuing a minor in either additive manufacturing or in Bio mechanics. He sought out research opportunities after his first year because he wanted more hands on experience. While originally seeking a mechanical engineering research project, the option to work with the mining and mechanical departments arose. Moving forward, Finnegan intends to continue work on the Longwall Project for the summer and the next semester as well.

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