A New Approach to Model Hyperbaric Rock Cutting Processes

Abstract

In deep sea mining processes, rock is being cut in a hyperbaric pressure environment. The effect of such a high pressure environment is of major influence on the cutting process. Due to deformation of the rock matrix, local fluid pressure differences will occur. This can result in a higher apparent strength of the rock, but also in a higher (loading) rate dependency. Our new modeling approach aims at combining both rock mechanics and fluid dynamics to model the high deformation (rate) behavior experienced in seabed excavations. This new approach is based on the Discrete Element Method to simulate the rock mechanics, combined with the use of Smoothed Particle Methods to model the influence of the fluid (pressure) on and in the rock. In this paper, emphasis is put on estimating the local (volumetric) deformation rate with the new approach. Eventually, the new technique will be validated with experiments and data available in literature. The new approach will give more insight in the physical processes that occur during cutting.