Abstract
The structure of the armoured flexible conveyor (AFC) is here modelled as a continuous elastic beam resting on a bed of compressed fine coal. Such a model is shown, analytically and by simulation, to stabilize the vertical steering process for the coal-face provided the beam stiffness is sufficiently large. The discrepancy between this prediction and that of the piecewise rigid model of the preceding companion paper (1) is noted and it is concluded that the elastic beam model may be more appropriate for larger undulations which take up all the free-play in the AFC joints. Because of the potentially powerful stabilizing influence provided by the elastic model, it is proposed that the existing loose joints between AFC trays should be replaced by resilient couplings.

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