The problem of DEM models calibration is considered in the article. It is proposed to divide models input parameters into those that require iterative calibration and those that are recommended to measure directly. A new method for model calibration based on the design of the experiment for iteratively calibrated parameters is proposed. The experiment is conducted using a specially designed stand. The results are processed with technical vision algorithms. Approximating functions are obtained and the error of the implemented software and hardware complex is estimated. The prospects of the obtained results are discussed.

The article discusses the extraction of solid mineral resources (SMR) from the bottom, such as ferromanganese nodules (FMN) and cobalt-manganese crusts (CMC), occurring in both offshore and deep regions of the World Ocean. For separating and lifting the water surface is used mining complex, which includes a hydraulically dragheads and intermediate capsule with atmospheric pressure introduced into the of extraction process in order to increase energy efficiency through the organization of a two-stage hydroascent, the first stage is carried out by external hydrostatic pressure. To determine the optimum depth of immersion of the intermediate capsule composed mathematical model. It is based on the sustainable hydroascent provided at the first stage transport (from the bottom to capsule), and reducing power consumption slurry pump performing the second stage transport (from the capsule to the sea surface). In determining the rational immersion depth were taken into account design features of slurry pipeline, mine geological parameters, the parameters of extracted minerals, performance of dragheads, the slurry flow parameters, such as concentration, consistency, density. Presents an example calculation and determined the optimal capsule insertion depth for offshore geological environments.

The authors conducted the analysis of the peculiarities on the destruction of rock formations by means of tunneling and mountain combine tools. They specify key criteria for choosing the rational parameters of cutting executive bodies in mountain combines. The article lists the factors influencing the efficiency of mine rock cutting. It is noted that the key drawback of mountain massif destruction with cutting is that consecutive elementary rock chips separation occurs under the influence of compression loads. The least energy-intensive way of destruction of rocks is a method that involves the destruction of mountain massifs chiefly under the influence of tensile loads, that is, by detachment. A design is proposed which is a combined executive body of the tunneling and cleaning unit including a bar executive and two-sided hydrocylinders-tractors installed inside the bar beam. The operation principle and procedure of the proposed executive body are described. The use of the proposed executive body will allow one to destroy the mountain massif in the most energy-efficient way ensuring high productivity and the lowest specific consumption of cutters.