Vincent Kikanga has contributed two linked modelling studies to RAMMS: a completed master’s investigation of unconventional legged mining equipment and a new doctorate on mine-shaft conveyance dynamics.
Master’s research: a walking mining platform
The master’s study explored a legged machine configuration for mining environments where conventional wheeled mobility may be constrained. Rham Equipment supported the work through technical input and recommendations.
Vincent developed the simulation capability needed to investigate the machine’s dynamics and completed the research during the first quarter of 2026. The study was co-supervised by Prof Stephan Heyns at the University of Pretoria, Prof Lukas du Plessis at the University of Cape Town and Prof Ali Poursina at the University of Agder.
Doctoral research: shaft conveyance dynamics
Vincent progressed to PhD research in the second quarter of 2026. The new work builds on his Simscape modelling experience to investigate the dynamic behaviour of mine-shaft conveyances and how that response can contribute to shaft-steelwork integrity inspection.
Benchmark simulations carried out in 2026 are being compared with relevant ISO shaft-steelwork design guidance. The longer-term goal is to combine dynamic modelling and measured conveyance response so that changes in the shaft system can be detected and interpreted.