Laboratory investigations of cutting processes applied to coal-winning machines

Abstract

Laboratory experiments on cutting mechanics in coal are described, and the conclusions reached are tested in underground trials on standard coal-winning machines. In general the laboratory findings are verified but such discrepancies as are observed are attributed to the fact that in the laboratory the cutting process is studied independently of the flow of broken coal from the cutting zone, whilst in some underground applications the forces and power needed to move and cause secondary degradation of the extracted coal can swamp the true cutting forces.