The use of scale models for investigating the dynamic behaviour of rope-guide mine shaft installations

Abstract

In order to establish the rules and criteria· to be satisfied in order to develop a scale model, which may be employed to predict the dynamic behaviour of a fullscale rope-guide mineshaft installation, the theory of the dynamic behaviour of rope-guides is considered. In order to establish to what degree a scale model rope-guide system may be expected to simulate the dynamic behaviour of its fullscale prototype a series of correlation test on an existing rope-guide installation and its dynamic scale model are described. A further series of model investigations into the aerodynamic scale effects which may occur in rope-guide installations, are also described. These investigations demonstrate certain limitations in the use of dynamic scale models of rope-guides and also explain the mechanism of air flow in shaftscontaining bluff bodies. On the strength of the experience gained in this research recommendations are made for the execution of efficient experimental investigations into the dynamic behaviour of various rope-guide mineshaft installations. 6ome information is also provided on the actual design of fullscale rope-guide systems.