Fatigue Design in Mining Size Reduction Equipment

The mining size reduction equipment industry is reviewed regarding efforts to obtain a consistent fatigue design philosophy. Serious structural failures, which have prompted various company efforts in this area, are reviewed. Efforts to obtain design criteria have been hampered by lack of data concerning the mundane materials, such as cast iron, used in the fabrications. Similar research from high technology industries, therefore, does not provide directly applicable data. However, new testing efforts are underway, and basic fatigue data is being gathered with the goal of providing consistent design, fabrication and nondestructive examination programs.