Finite element models for brush-debris interaction in road sweeping

摘要

In this paper, 2-D and 3-D finite element (FE) models for particle removal mechanisms are constructed to study the interaction between brush tines and debris in road sweeping processes. A 2-D contact FE analysis is first performed to analyse the contact behaviour between a flicking brush tine and an object to sweep. Using this model, the removal mechanisms are studied and analysed. Furthermore, the effect of brush penetration on debris removal is investigated. The 2-D sweeping model is extended to an accurate 3-D contact model, which overcomes some geometric errors in the 2-D model. From the results, it is suggested that the major removal mechanisms are a horizontal dragging force and a rolling moment generated by the external forces. It is also found that penetration has a positive contribution when it is relatively small in a non-sticky environment. Furthermore, in this environment, it is found that sweeping loads have a small effect on the removal process as either flicking tines or cutting tines can produce adequate removal loads.