Abstract This paper presents the results of discrete element
simulations applied to a bucket elevator model with
particular reference to the head pulley transition zone. This
is the first stage in a larger study to better understand the
mechanics of bucket elevator operation with reference to the
discharge of particles at the head end. At the head end two
issues arise; mechanically, the buckets are bolted to the conveying
media (typically a fabric reinforced belt) and at the
point of belt to headpulley tangency, the tip of the bucket
undergoes a theoretical step change in velocity. This theoretical
step change results in a classical under-damped response
in the buckets tip velocity. In undergoing this motion, there
are stresses that are passed to the carcass of the conveying
media; understanding the magnitude of these stresses is one
longer term goal of this research allowing a quantitative basis
for the existing qualitative design guidelines such as (Handbook
for conveyor and elevator belting, Apex Belting Pty
Ltd). The discharge of the bulk material from the bucket has
been addressed Beverly et al. (Bulk Solids Handling, 1983)
but this analysis is dependent on simple, but common, bucket
geometry and ignores the initial transition to the headpulley.
Ignoring the transition with a low speed discharge elevator is
not likely to impact on the predicted discharge pattern, however
with high speed discharge elevators, the destabilising
effect of the transition is expected to promote premature discharge
of bulk material from the bucket. Depending on the