Mitigating Slack Rope Events in Mine Hoist Systems: A Design Review of Energy Absorbing and Biomechanical Considerations

Webster Talent Rukweza*, Portia Mupfumira**, Tafadzwa Mukodi***
*-*** Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Periodicity:April - June'2025

Abstract

In underground mining operations, hoist systems serve as indispensable infrastructure for the vertical transit of personnel and materials, yet their operational integrity is frequently compromised by catastrophic failure modes, most notably slack rope phenomena. This study conducts a critical evaluation of engineering design paradigms aimed at risk mitigation, with dual emphasis on energy dissipation mechanisms and human biomechanical constraints during emergency deceleration scenarios. Methodologically, it synthesizes and critiques current technological interventions- including elastomeric suspension arrays and friction-based wedge arrestors-through the lens of their energy management efficacy and compatibility with human tolerance thresholds for transient accelerative forces. The analysis identifies a critical tension between achieving optimal energy attenuation and preserving occupant safety within biologically permissible G-force parameters, as delineated by contemporary trauma biomechanics research. Empirical data from recent industrial accidents are analyzed to quantify systemic vulnerabilities, revealing an urgent need for multilayered safety architectures in hoist system design. This study advances a multidisciplinary framework for future innovation, integrating mechanical engineering, materials science, and physiological principles to drive iterative improvements in mine hoist safety protocols. The proposed paradigm shift emphasizes predictive modeling of dynamic load scenarios and failsafe mechanism redundancy as essential components of next-generation hoisting systems.

Keywords

Mine Hoist, Slack Rope, Energy Absorber, Biomechanical Limitations, Safety, Braking System.

How to Cite this Article?

Rukweza, W. T., Mupfumira, P., and Mukodi, T. (2025). Mitigating Slack Rope Events in Mine Hoist Systems: A Design Review of Energy Absorbing and Biomechanical Considerations. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(1), 1-18.

References

[1]. Batko, W., & Korbiel, T. (2008). Maintenance of mining shaft reinforcement based on global damping coefficient. Eksploatacja I Niezawodnosc-Maintenance and Reliability, 1, 44-48.
[2]. Blanchard, B. S., Fabrycky, W. J., & Fabrycky, W. J. (1990). Systems Engineering and Analysis. Englewood Cliffs, Prentice hall.
[4]. Eiband, A. M. (1959). Human Tolerance to Rapidly Applied Accelerations: A Summary of the Literature. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
[5]. Ezra, A. A. (1972). An Assessment of Energy Absorbing Devices for Prospective Use in Aircraft Impact Situations. In Dynamic response of structures. Pergamon Press.
[9]. Heyns, M., & Heyns, P. S. (1998). Guidelines for design of guide-roller assemblies for mining conveyances. Mineral Resources and the Environment, 107, A109- A170.
[11]. Hymers, J. (2012). Food as art: Poiesis and the importance of soft impacts. Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Ethical Perspectives on Land Use and Food Production (pp. 295-300).
[12]. Jeppe, C. W. B. (1946). Gold Mining on the Witwatersrand. Transvaal Chamber of Mines.
[13]. King, A. I. (1972). Human tolerance limitations related to aircraft crashworthiness. In Dynamic Response of Structures: Proceedings of a Symposium Held at Stanford University, California (p. 247). Pergamon.
[14]. Ottermann, R. W. (2000). Identification, Investigation and Analysis of End-Of-Wind Protection Devices for Vertical and Incline Shafts. Research Space.
[15]. Rosslee, F., Coetzee, G., & Pretorius, L. (1998). Using cyclic plastic bending as an energy absorption mechanism. R&D Journal, 14, 15-21.
[16]. Singley, G. T. (1972). A survey of rotary-wing aircraft crashworthiness. In Dynamic Response of Structures, 1, 79-223. Pergamon, Oxford.
[17]. Steynberg, A. J. J. (2007). Dynamic Cyclic Bending, Kinetic to Strain Energy, Deceleration Systems (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pretoria).
[18]. Timoshenko, S. P., & Gere, J. M. (2012). Theory of Elastic Stability. Courier Corporation.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 15 15 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.