Method for identification the effects of dynamic overload affecting the people, which may occur in the emergency state of suspended monorail is presented in the paper. The braking curve using MBS (Multi-Body System) simulation was determined. For this purpose a computational model (MBS) of suspended monorail was developed and two different variants of numerical calculations were carried out. An algorithm of conducting numerical simulations to assess the effects of dynamic overload acting on the suspended monorails' users is also posted in the paper. An example of computational model FEM (Finite Element Method) composed of technical mean and the anthropometrical model ATB (Articulated Total Body) is shown. The simulation results are presented: graph of HIC (Head Injury Criterion) parameter and successive phases of dislocation of ATB model. Generator of computational models for safety criterion, which enables preparation of input data and remote starting the simulation, is proposed.

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The method of increasing the efficiency of using one of the most common means of auxiliary transport in underground coal mines—suspended monorails—is presented. Increase of velocity is one of the key parameters to improve the efficiency and economical effect related with the underground auxiliary transport. On the other hand, increasing the velocity results in bigger value of force acting on the suspended monorail route and its suspensions. The most important issue during increasing the velocity is ensuring the required safety for the passengers and not overloading the infrastructure. In order to analyze how increasing velocity influences the level of loads of the route suspension and the steel arch loads, the computational model of suspended monorail was developed. The computational model included both the physical part (embedded in the program environment based on the Multi-Body System method) and the components of the monorail control system. Two independent software environments were cooperating with each other through the so-called co-simulation. This model was validated on the base of results obtained on the test stand. Then, the numerical simulations of emergency braking with different values of velocity were conducted, which was not possible with the use of physical objects. The presented study can be used by the suspended monorail’s producers during the designing process, and leads to increase the safety on underground transportation routes.

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Impact of the method of suspension and route stabilization of suspended monorail on forces loading the roadway roof support system is presented. This is important in the context of possible increasing the speed of monorails during personnel movement. Nature of load and displacement of the route, as well as deceleration of the transport set, with a dynamic excitation - an emergency braking of the transport set, are presented. The results are presented for seven configurations of slings and lashings stabilizing the route. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC), recorded using the Articulated Total Body (HYBRID III) model, during the impact of operator's cabin against an obstacle, is presented in the further part of the article. Analyzes are aimed at developing the guidelines to ensure safety of mining personnel (without exceeding the accepted overloads) and mining infrastructure (without exceeding the maximum accepted load of the roadway support) during operation of the suspended monorail at higher speed. Analyzes are the result of the authors numerical simulations.

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Mine transportation of materials in underground mine workings is realized by mine underground railways as well as by suspended monorails or floor-mounted railway. Transportation is realized on tracks placed on the floor of working or on rails suspended to roadway support. Each transport operation must be preceded by a transport design project, made in accordance with obligatory legislation. A part of the project are traction calculations. Their implementation in a computer program allows for minimization of the possibility of errors during the configuration of suspended queues and conducting traction calculations, which consequently leads to improve the level of safety. The article discusses the modular Safe Trans Design system, supporting the design of auxiliary mine transportation. The system has been implemented in the mines of JSW S.A. The assumptions and structure of the system as well as algorithms of operation of the ‘configurator of transportation sets’ and ‘assessment and reporting module’ are presented. The method of creating an auxiliary mine transportation system project is presented. Safe Trans Design system is used in planning, organizational and training activities implemented as part of transport safety management in mining plants. Developed methods can be easily adapted to other legislations of hard coal producers’ countries, where suspended monorails are used in underground auxiliary mining transportation systems.

Development of mine underground transportation with use of suspended monorails The development of suspended monorails is presented, indicating their advantages and limitations in use. Attention is paid to the development of monorails with battery drives in recent years. Example solutions including those developed in KOMAG-PCA-1 and GAD-1drive trains are given. The development of computer tools supporting designers and users of suspended monorails is described. Directions of further development of suspended transportation are discussed.