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.

Big Data analysis is becoming an everyday task for companies all over the world, including Russian companies. Due to advances in technology and the reduction in the cost of storage systems, companies can now collect and store large volumes of heterogeneous data. The important step of extracting knowledge and value from such data is a challenge that will eventually be met by all companies seeking to maintain their competitiveness and place in the market. However, companies face several challenges when it comes to collecting, pre-processing, and integrating data into cohesive data sets designed to deliver analytics. In this article, the above problems and possible solutions are illustrated using the example of cleaning, integration, and normalization of data obtained in the measurement of indicators for the Vanyukov melting furnace process. The article considers an approach to the study of metallurgical processes using the analysis of large operational control data sets. Standard methods of processing the data sets of operational process control are used. The correlation analysis of the main process parameters is carried out. The results are interpreted for their further practical application.

The research considers conducting orthogonal experiment (OT) as one of the stages in developing a new discrete element method (DEM) parameters calibration approach. The measured responses in experiment are the parameters obtained by DEM animation processing using machine vision system (MVS). The variable factors in experiment are DEM parameters. A brief overview of an existing calibration approaches given in the article. The choice of OT as a design of experiment tool among other mathematical tools discussed. Experiments conducted using specially developed rig where bulk material's flow captured as DEM animation. DEM animation converted to video and then processed using MVS that allow register the values of such parameters as angle of repose or expiration time (measured responses). The results of the OT show that it is possible to identify four measured responses with the most valuable correlation coefficient. DEM parameters with the biggest influence on the measured responses identified for each of the obtained regression. Obtained results are useful in learning or iterative algorithms development for DEM parameters calibration.