Abstract
To make sure that the nodule collector can walk on the soft sediments of seafloor effectively, suspension principle of deep-ocean nodule collector is proposed. The supporting and driving mechanisms are separated to avoid collector sinking. The supporting mechanism is a streamlined body with large and smooth supporting area. The grounding pressure is reduced to 0.5–1 N/cm2 to make sure that the sinkage is limited. The impellers serve as the driving mechanism to supply enough driving power. The position between the supporting mechanism and the driving mechanism can be adjusted according to the operating condition to decrease the walking resistance and to increase driving efficiency. The test results indicate that the collector can walk on the surface of the soft sediments with the limited sinkage. The traction forces were up to 800 kg and the sinkage of the impeller was under the limitation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
CHUNG J S. Deep-ocean mining technology: Development II[C]// Proceedings of the 6th ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. Changsha, 2005: 9–13.
YAMADA, H, YAMAZAKI, T. Japan’s ocean test of the nodule mining system [C]// Proceedings of the 8th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference. Montreal, 1998: 13–19.
DEEPAK C R, SHAJAHAN M A, ATMANAND M A. Development tests on the underwater mining system using flexible riser concept [C]// Proceedings of the 4th Ocean Mining Symposium. Stavanger, 2001: 94–98.
DEEPAK C R, RAMJI S, RAMESH N R. Development and testing of underwater mining systems for long term operations using flexible riser [C]// Proceedings of the 7th ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. Lisbon, 2007: 166–170.
LI Li, LIU S, YAO J. Kinematic simulation of COMRA’s self-propelled vehicle of deep ocean mining system [C]// Proceedings of the Fifth ISOPE Pacific/Asia Off shore Mechanics Symposium, Daejeon, Korea, 2002: 89–95.
LI Li, ZHONG Jue. Research of China’s pilot-miner in the mining system of polymetallic nodule [C]// Proceedings of the 6th ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. Changsha, 2005: 124–131.
DING Liu-huai, GAO Yu-qing, WANG Ming-he. The review of development of ocean polymetallic nodule collecting technique in China [J]. Mining Research and Development, 2003, 8: 5–7. (in Chinese)
SONG Liang-qing. Geotechnical properties of oceanic polymetallic nodule sediments [J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 1999(11): 47–54.
LI Li, LI Shu-Lin. Simulation and mechanical characteristics of terramechanics of the surface soil on deep-sea bed [J]. Engineering Mechanics, 2010, 27(11): 213–220.
LI Li, LI Shu-lin. Simulation and mechanical characteristics of terramechanics of the surface soil on deep-sea bed [J]. Engineering Mechanics, 2010(11): 213–220. (in Chinese)
HONG S, CHOI J S. Experimental study on grouser shape effects on trafficability of extremely soft seabed [C]// Proceedings of the 4th ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. Toulon, 2001: 115–121.
SCHULTE E, HANDSCHUH R, SCHWARZ W. Transferability of soil mechanical parameters to traction potential calculation of a tracked vehicle [C]// Proceedings of the 5th ISOPE Ocean Mining Symposium. Honolulu, 2003: 123–131.
DING Liang, GAO Hai-bo, DENG Zong-quan. Wheel slip-sinkage and its prediction model of lunar rover [J]. Journal of Central South University of Technology, 2010, 17: 129–135.
HANDA K, YAMAZAKI T. Reprint from Geological Survey of Japan Cruise Report [R]. Japan: 1986.
BEKKER M G.. Theory of land locomotion [M]. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1956.
REECE A R. Principles of soil-vehicle mechanics [C]// Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, part 2A: 1965, 180(1): 45–66.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation item: Project(2012AA091201) supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zheng, H., Liu, Sj. & Hu, Q. Suspension principle of deep-ocean nodule collector. J. Cent. South Univ. 21, 920–925 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2019-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2019-z