Session A: Earth-moving and Transportation Machinery

Remarks on the influence of the dynamic behavior of belt conveyors on the response of the spreader superstructure

Marko Urošević¹*, Nenad Zrnić¹, Xiangwei Liu²
1 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering /Department for Material Handling, Constructions and Logistics, Belgrade, Serbia
2 Shanghai Maritime University, Logistics Engineering College, Shanghai, China
Corresponding author: Marko Urošević · murosevic@mas.bg.ac.rs

Abstract

This review paper emphasizes the necessity of analyzing the dynamic behavior of spreaders, as high-capacity machines for continuous transport and stacking of bulk materials. Given that spreaders are self-propelled supporting structures for belt conveyors, a dominant portion of the dynamic loads originates from the conveyors themselves. A review of the existing literature shows that transverse and longitudinal oscillations of the belt represent a significant problem, typically treated from the standpoint of bearing maintenance and variable belt tensioning. Furthermore, modernization trends focused on energy efficiency increasingly employ variable frequency drives for continuous belt speed control, directly affecting the variability of dynamic loads caused by the eccentricity of rotating components. These issues are typically addressed from the standpoint of conveyor functionality, often neglecting the potential appearance of negative dynamic effects on the supporting structure, particularly in cases like spreaders, where the conveyor is not directly resting on the ground. Given the variable configuration of the spreader superstructure, with each configuration representing a unique dynamic system, a comprehensive analysis of the system dynamic behavior is fully justified. Evaluating the structural dynamic response to periodically variable excitation loads is essential for extending the service life of existing machines and optimizing the design of future units.

Keywords

Belt ConveyorsSpreadersDynamic BehaviorBelt Oscillations

Cite this paper

Recommended citation · Engineering TODAY style
M. Urošević, N. Zrnić, and X. Liu, “Remarks on the influence of the dynamic behavior of belt conveyors on the response of the spreader superstructure”, Proceedings of the XII International Triennial Conference Engineering TODAY (ET 2026), Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia), pp. A9–A16, https://doi.org/10.46793/ET26.A02U, (2026)