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Using Discrete Element Method to Study the Rock Breaking Effect of Worn TBM Cutters

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Abstract

Focusing on the analysis of specific energy SE and crack development characteristics, this research aims to clarify the rock breaking effect of worn TBM cutters. Based on the geometric characteristics of rock face under the action of the worn cutters, the rock breaking method affected by the ridge was proposed, and the discrete element method was used to establish a double-cutter indentation model for simulation. The blade height difference h and blade width T caused by cutter wear were used as variables, and the influence of cutting spacing and cutting sequence was considered. Study showed that the specific energy SE of rock-breaking decreased slowly with the increasing h, and then rose sharply when h exceeded the critical blade height difference hc. When the cutting distance s = 60, 70, 80 mm,the corresponding hc values were 10, 15, 15 mm, respectively. From the perspective of rock breaking process, worn cutters formed ridges on the rock surface, which affected the direction of crack development. When h < hc, the lateral cracks produced by the cutter extrusion developed in the direction of adjacent cutter inside the ridge, forming a large through rock fragment. When h > hc, the cracks emerged from the slope of the ridge, no large rock fragments were formed, resulting in a sudden increase in SE. Experimental verification showed that the simulation results were effective and can provided reference for worn TBM cutter changing.

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Acknowledgements

This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (No. 51879151).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China

    Mengmeng Hu, Biao Li & Wenzheng Cao

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China

    Bo Zhang

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  1. Mengmeng Hu
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  2. Bo Zhang
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  3. Biao Li
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  4. Wenzheng Cao
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Correspondence to Bo Zhang or Biao Li.

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Hu, M., Zhang, B., Li, B. et al. Using Discrete Element Method to Study the Rock Breaking Effect of Worn TBM Cutters. Geotech Geol Eng 40, 2843–2856 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-022-02066-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-022-02066-0

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