Last modified: 19. 05. 2025
Abstract
This article addresses the main aspects of dynamic modelling in logistics processes, including transportation. The focus is primarily on simulating the transport of bulk materials. The model is based on a mathematical model for capacity calculations. At the outset of the modelling process, the inputs to the simulation model are defined; subsequently, the mathematical model is transferred into the simulation environment using the SimTalk 2.0 programming language and blocks from the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software. The given simulation model is created in a way that allows changing the type of transported material, conveyor speed and its length. For more precise model settings, a Frame is created under the name "Settings". This block contains variables that are entered as input data for the simulation model before the simulation begins. Blocks from the library are used to create the model, representing individual parts of the pipe conveyor. Specifically, the block called "Conveyor" which represents a pipe conveyor. The block called "Hopper" represents a hopper for transporting material onto a conveyor belt. The type of transported material is selected from the DropDownList. The simulation model allows you to set the deviation for the material hopper on the conveyor belt. The "Dump" block represents the material dump from the conveyor. The "AmountofMaterialonthe ConveyorBeltGraph" block allows you to track the number of materials on the conveyor belt. The "Generator" block is used to write output values to the "NumberofMaterialsontheConveyorBeltTab" table. The simulation model allows you to track important values such as the total throughput of the conveyor, throughput per hour, and throughput per day.
Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the Slovak Grant Agency under the grants APVV-23-0342 under title New structural and material elements for sustainable transport of bulk, VEGA 1/0728/24 under title Research into the implementation of sensor technologies and visualization methods for the digital transformation of pipeline conveyor systems, and KEGA 013TUKE-4/2023 under title Creation and innovation of university and lifelong education in study field 'transport' according to the development of digital and practical skills.