Three-dimensional simulations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) distribution inside a single straight entry for the Load-Haul-Dump loader (LHD)-truck loading and truck hauling operations were conducted by using ANSYS FLUENT computational fluid dynamics software. The loading operation was performed for a fixed period of 3 min. The dynamic mesh technique in FLUENT was used to study the impact of truck motion on DPM distribution. The resultant DPM distributions are presented for the cases when the truck were driving upstream and downstream of the loading face. Interesting phenomena were revealed in the study including the piston effect, layering of DPM in the roof region, and backflow of diesel exhaust against ventilation. The results from the simulation can be used to determine if the areas inside the face area and straight entry exceed the current U.S. regulatory requirement for DPM concentration (>160 µg/m3). This research can guide the selection of DPM reduction strategies and improve the working practices for the underground miners.
Keywords: Backflow; Buoyancy effect; CFD; DPM; Dynamic meshing; Layering of DPM; Piston effect.