Simulation and optimization of gyratory crusher performance based on the discrete element method

To study and optimize the gyratory crusher performance, taking the process of crushing iron ore by the gyratory crusher as the specific analysis object in this paper. First, the discrete element method (DEM) analysis model of the iron ore based on the bonded-particle model (BPM) is established. On this basis, the impacts of the mantle shaft angle, the concave angle, the eccentric angle, and the mantle shaft speed on the gyratory crusher performance are explored by the method of combination of DEM simulation and response surface methodology (RSM), and the performance prediction model of gyratory crusher is obtained. Finally, taking productivity as the main optimization goal and crushing force as the auxiliary optimization goal, multi-objective optimization is carried out through Design-Expert software, and the corresponding optimized values are 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 0.29 degrees, and 129.63 rpm. The feasibility of the optimization results is verified, the productivity and the crushing force can be increased by 8.4% and 2.25 times, respectively. Meanwhile, the effective crushing distance of the ore particles in the crushing chamber is increased, which is beneficial for the ore particles to be better crushed. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.