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Let's begin with rolling resistance. Can anyone explain how we calculate it for a vehicle?
Isn't it based on the weight of the vehicle?
Exactly! We first convert the weight into tons. For a vehicle weighing 50,000 kg, that equals 50 tons. If the rolling resistance is 28 kg per ton, what do we get?
We would multiply 50 tons by 28 kg per ton. That gives us 1400 kg!
Great job! 1400 kg is indeed the rolling resistance. Remember, the acronym 'W-R' can help us recall 'Weight to Resistance.'
So rolling resistance is a significant factor to consider when choosing a machine?
Absolutely! Rolling resistance affects how much power we need. Let's summarize: Always convert vehicle weight to tons first and then calculate rolling resistance.
Now, let's discuss grade resistance. Can anyone define what it is?
Is it the force opposing a machine when it climbs a slope?
Exactly right! When climbing, machines face additional resistance due to gravity. The steeper the slope, the more effort we need. How can we express grade percentage?
For example, a 5% grade means that for every 100 meters horizontally, the machine rises 5 meters vertically.
Well said! And if the gradient is -5%, that indicates a downhill slope. Why would we prefer to operate downhill, do you think?
Because it reduces the power needed, right?
Exactly! Summarizing: Greater slope means more power needs, so prefer downhill routes to minimize resistance.
Let’s calculate total resistance. How do we combine rolling and grade resistance?
By adding them together, right?
Correct! If we have rolling resistance of 1400 kg and grade resistance calculated as 1800 kg, what is our total resistance?
That would be 3200 kg!
That's right! To determine the necessary tractive effort, we need at least 3200 kg to overcome both resistances. Remember the acronym 'T-E' for 'Tractive Effort.'
And this is critical for selecting the right machine for a project, right?
Absolutely! Always calculate total resistance to ensure the chosen machinery can achieve the required power.
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The section explains how to calculate rolling and grade resistance encountered by machinery on a slope. It details concepts such as rolling resistance necessary to overcome friction and grade resistance caused by gravity, and emphasizes the importance of selecting haul routes effectively to minimize these resistances.
In this section, we explore the calculations surrounding grade resistance, which is crucial for machinery performance on slopes. Starting from basic weight conversions, the section shows how to compute rolling resistance based on a machine's weight and specified resistance per ton. It elaborates on the factors affecting grade resistance, including the slope's percentage and the additional effort needed to overcome gravitational forces acting on the machine when climbing inclines. Additionally, it distinguishes between grade resistance, which increases power needs, and grade assistance, which reduces it when moving downhill. Furthermore, the section describes how to calculate the total resistance encountered by machinery, guiding users to estimate the adequate power requirements based on known resistance values, and highlight the significance of effective haul route selection.
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Now so far, we have discussed about the rolling resistance, let us look into the other part of the resistance in your project site that is your grade resistance. Most often you can see that equipment has to climb up a slope. So, when the machine is climbing up the slope, obviously you need some additional efforts to make it move up the slope because it is pulling against the gravity.
Grade resistance is a type of resistance encountered when equipment, such as machinery, is required to move uphill. As the equipment climbs a slope, it faces an opposing force due to gravity that makes it harder to move. This means that more energy or power is needed for the machinery to ascend the slope compared to moving on flat ground.
Think of riding a bicycle uphill. When you're on a flat surface, pedaling feels natural and easy, but as soon as you hit an incline, you must exert more energy to keep moving forward. The extra effort you feel is similar to the grade resistance faced by machines when climbing slopes.
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So, how much tractive effort we need? So, to overcome this grade resistance that depends upon the percentage of the slope how steep is your slope? According to the tractive force requirement will vary.
The amount of tractive effort required to overcome grade resistance directly depends on the gradient or steepness of the slope. As the slope percentage increases, the force needed to move the machinery also increases. This highlights the importance of knowing the slope conditions ahead of time for efficient machinery operation.
Imagine pushing a heavy cart up a ramp versus pulling it on a level pavement. The steeper the ramp (like a higher slope percentage), the more difficult it becomes to push the cart due to increased resistance, making it essential to plan the route accordingly.
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Now similar to this, we should also know about what is grade assistance? So, we discussed about what is grade resistance, there is something called as grade assistance that means what? When your machine is moving down the slope, you can see that the amount of power needed gets reduced because it can easily move down by the gravity.
Grade assistance refers to the helpful force provided by gravity when machinery is moving downhill. Unlike grade resistance, which requires additional energy to move up a slope, grade assistance makes it easier for the machinery to descend by reducing the amount of tractive effort needed.
Consider going down an escalator. You hardly need to exert any effort because gravity aids your descent, making it easier to move downward. Similarly, when machinery descends a slope, gravity assists in movement, effectively decreasing the power required.
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Grade resistance is nothing but by simple elementary mechanics. For example, for 1% of grade so the amount of tractive effort needed to overcome this 1% of grade it is 10 kg per ton.
To calculate grade resistance, a commonly used guideline states that for every 1% gradient, 10 kg of tractive effort per ton is needed. This means if a machine weighs 10 tons and is on a 1% slope, it requires 100 kg of tractive effort to overcome that resistance. Such estimates are useful for planning and ensuring equipment can handle the terrain.
Imagine weighing a backpack filled with items. If it weighs 10 kg and you have to walk up a 1% incline, you can think of needing a bit of extra strength just to lift that weight against gravity, similar to the way machines need additional force to counteract the grade resistance.
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So, if there is an option that you can use the down slope, it is always preferable to use down slopes, because your power required gets reduced.
Choosing the right haul route is crucial for machinery operation. Selecting paths that include down slopes reduces the power needed to transport loads, as gravity aids in movement. Thus, operating costs can be minimized by avoiding steep grades whenever possible.
Think about taking different routes on a bicycle. If you have a choice between a flat route and one that slopes downward, the downhill route will require less energy and make your ride easier and faster, illustrating the benefits of selecting a more efficient path.
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Key Concepts
Rolling Resistance: A force that opposes motion when a vehicle rolls over a surface, determined by weight.
Grade Resistance: The force that opposes motion when moving uphill, directly linked to slope steepness.
Total Resistance: The sum of rolling and grade resistance, critical for determining machinery power needs.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
If a truck weighing 50 tons has a rolling resistance of 28 kg per ton, its rolling resistance is 1400 kg.
For a 4% grade, the grade resistance can be calculated as 40 kg (4% x 10 kg per ton for 1 ton), meaning more power is needed to tow up the slope.
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
To move up high and not fall back, add your grade to the rolling track.
Imagine a truck climbing a steep hill, struggling against gravity. To decide on the right size, you calculate the load and the slope to ensure the truck can handle the climb.
Remember 'R-G-R-T' for 'Rolling-Grading-Resistance-Tractive'.
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Rolling Resistance
Definition:
The resistance faced by a vehicle when rolling over a surface, calculated based on its weight.
Term: Grade Resistance
Definition:
The additional resistance encountered when moving a machine up a slope due to gravitational forces.
Term: Tractive Effort
Definition:
The amount of force or power required to move a machine, particularly when overcoming resistance.
Term: Gradients
Definition:
The steepness or incline of a slope expressed as a percentage.
Term: Coefficient of Traction
Definition:
A measure of the grip between the wheel or track and the surface.