Multiparameter Numerical Investigation of Two Types of Moving Interactions Between the Deep-Sea Mining Vehicle Track Plate and Seabed Soil: Digging and Rotating Motions

To ensure the safe performance of deep-sea mining vehicles(DSMVs), it is necessary to study the mechanical characteristics of the interaction between the seabed soil and the track plate. The rotation and digging motions of the track plate are important links in the contact between the driving mechanism of the DSMV and seabed soil. In this study, a numerical simulation is conducted using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian(CEL) large deformation numerical method to investigate the interaction between the track plate of the DSMV and the seabed soil under two working conditions: rotating condition and digging condition. First, a soil numerical model is established based on the elastoplastic mechanical characterization using the basic physical and mechanical properties of the seabed soil obtained by in situ sampling. Subsequently, the soil disturbance mechanism and the dynamic mechanical response of the track plate under rotating and digging conditions are obtained through the analysis of the sensitivity of the motion parameters, the grouser structure, the layered soil features and the soil heterogeneity. The results indicate that the above parameters remarkably influence the interaction between the DSMV and the seabed soil. Therefore, it is important to consider the rotating and digging motion of the DSMV in practical engineering to develop a detailed optimization design of the track plate.