Abstract: Training an operator of an underground mining machine. The training includes generating a simulated training environment that includes a simulated underground mining machine and generating an interface related to a training lesson for the simulated underground mining machine. The training lesson is related to performing a simulated cutting operation with the underground mining machine. The training also includes receiving an operator input from an operator input device related to the simulated cutting operation with the underground mining machine, executing the simulated cutting operation within the simulated working environment based on the operator input, determining an amount of simulated mining material removed from a cutting face of the simulated working environment during the simulated cutting operation, and generating an indication of the amount of simulated mining material removed from the cutting face of the simulated working environment during the simulated cutting operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new aluminum grain refiner alloy with a controlled, effective content of "duplex" crystals. The duplex crystals are made by (1) producing aluminides that contain boron in solution, and by (2) aging said aluminide in a manner to precipitate at least part of the boron to form the duplex crystals. The duplex crystals have been discovered to be extremely potent grain refining agents.