In this article actual topics concerned with mechanical properties of bulk materials, usage of computer vision and artificial neural networks in this research are discussed. The main principles of the system for analysis of bulk materials mechanical characteristics are described. Bulk material outflow behaviour with predefined parameters (particles shapes and radius, coefficients of friction, etc.) was modelled. The outflow was modelled from the calibrated conical funnel. Obtained dependencies between mechanical characteristics and pile geometrical properties are represented as diagrams and graphs.

A lot of researchers are developing new DEM parameters calibration approaches based on an experiment plan or the use of learning algorithms. This research is aimed at improving iterative algorithms frequently used for calibration. The big time consumption as a main problem of iterative algorithms is questioned. It is proposed to use Random forest algorithm to determine DEM parameters impact on the measured bulk responses. Measured responses are the parameters obtained by image processing using a technical vision system. As a result of 200 experiments processing, DEM parameters impact values on each bulk response were generated and presented as histograms. Obtained results were interpreted on the basis of the bulk material behavior and its physical properties. There is a discussion on the possibility of developing a universal DEM parameters calibration method based on the iterative algorithm.

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.