Finite element models for brush-debris interaction in road sweeping

• Published in: Acta mechanica Vol. 215; no. 1-4; pp. 71 - 84
• Main Authors: Abdel Wahab, M. M., Wang, C., Vanegas Useche, L. V., Parker, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01.12.2010; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Brushes; Buildings. Public works; Classical and Continuum Physics; Contact; Control; Dynamical Systems; Engineering; Engineering Thermodynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Geometry; Heat and Mass Transfer; Loads (forces); Mathematical analysis; Mechanical contact (friction...); Mechanical engineering; Penetration; Physics; Road construction. Pavements. Maintenance; Roads; Roads & highways; Solid Mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Surfacing; Sweeping; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Transportation infrastructure; Vibration; Rolling Moment; Tine; Chemical Mechanical Polishing; Tine Surface; Contact Node; Finite element method; Mechanical contact; Cleaning; Roll; Debris; Brush; Modeling
• ISSN: 0001-5970; 1619-6937; 1619-6937
• DOI: 10.1007/s00707-010-0304-y

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.