Análisis del desgaste en componentes de cargadores frontales, mediante modelos basados en elementos finitos

This study uses the application of finite element method in order to estimate the level of wear in elements of front loaders LeTourneau 1850, operating in mine Doña Ines de Collahuasi. Particularly the focus of the study using finite element method is on the wear parts that are considered “sacrifice parts” due to the extraction of mineral in the rock. In case the failure of one of these elements is not detected in advance, during a programmed inspection, or during operation, the damage may affect directly to the structure of the loader. As a consequence, its reparation will be much more expansive than changing previously the wear element for a new one.