Multi-DOF dynamic model for a coal plough with its simulation

Based on single-degree-of-freedom (single-DOF) dynamic model of a coal plough and according to actual work conditions of coal plough, multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) nonlinear dynamic model of a coal plough was presented. And the factors of stochastic forces of coal, pretension force of chain and sprocket polygon effect were considered for the dynamic model. MATLAB/Simulink software was used to get numerical solution and simulation, and the changes of the plough body velocity and the chain tension were gained under the influence of each factor. The results showed that influences of forces of coal and pretension force of chain are obvious on the plough body velocity and the chain tension, influence of sprocket polygon effect is less, and stochastic forces of coal reduce the influence of sprocket polygon effect. Comparing the single-DOF dynamic model with the multi-DOF dynamic model, the change law with the influence of each factor was the same, and the single-DOF dynamic model could be as a reference for simple analysis of a coal plough, but the multi-DOF dynamic model coincided with the actual working conditions more. It provided a theoretical basis for analyzing dynamic problem of a coal plough and improving the reliability of plough chain.