# Stability Evaluation of a Simplified Reclaimer Using Fluid-Structure Interaction
## 4 Conclusions  
This study evaluated the stability of a mining reclaimer due to wind loads. Due to the complexity of the geometry of a real device, a simplified model was studied. The analysis was carried out for different wind speeds, using analytical and numerical methods. The FEM standard criterion was used in the analytical method and the FSI method was used in the numerical evaluation. Six different values of wind speeds were evaluated, considering the critical values suggested by the FEM standard, and equally spaced values above the most critical condition suggested.  
Numerical values of velocity and pressure fields were obtained by the CFD analysis, enabling the determination of the wind forces on the structure. The MDB analysis predicted the displacements of the structure, as well as reaction forces and vibration levels.  
The wind forces on the reclaimer structure predicted by the numerical model were 23% higher than the values predicted by the analytical model, due to dynamic and recirculation effects not considered in the analytical model.  
Both the complex and simplified models are valuable in the engineering workflow. They should be employed strategically at different stages of the design process to balance the need for detail, accuracy, and computational resources. While the simplified model allows for efficient design iterations and optimization, the complex model provides the necessary depth for final verifications and detailed analysis. Together, they form a comprehensive toolkit that supports sound engineering judgment, ensuring both the safety and efficiency of the structure under the investigated loading conditions.  
A stability analysis was performed based on the reaction forces. When the reaction force in the reclaimer support was 0 N, it was assumed that the reclaimer lost stability and rotated to fall and, therefore, failed. The wind speed required for the reclaimer to lose stability was 132 m/s, twice the critical value established by the FEM 2-131/13 standard [25].  
The vibration levels did not increase with the wind velocity and in all cases, they stabilized, confirming a low influence of dynamic effects.  
It is worth noting that the present study utilized a simplified model due to the complexity of the reclaimer's geometry, which may introduce some degree of uncertainty.  
Figure 21: Reclaimer vibration level.  
Future research could involve developing more advanced models that better capture the intricacies of the real device.  
Conceptualization, J.R.J. and C.B.M.; methodology, J.R.J.; formal analysis, J.R.J.; investigation, J.R.J.; resources, J.L.J.; writing--original draft preparation, J.R.J.; writing--review and editing, C.B.M.; supervision, C.B.M.; funding acquisition, J.L.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This study was financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior--Brasil (CAPES)--Finance Codes 001 and PROAP 88881.888660/2023-01. The work was also financed by PUC Minas, FAPEMIG (grant PPM-00650-18), CNPq (grant 302175/2022-9), and VALE.  
Not applicable.  
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author due to restrictions.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.