Simulation analysis of pressure regulation of hydraulic thrust system on a shield tunneling machine

Abstract

Hydraulic thrust system is an important system in a shield tunneling machine. Pressure regulation of thrust cylinders is the most important function for thrust system during tunnel excavation. In this paper, a hydraulic thrust system is explained, and a corresponding simulation model is carried out in order to study the system characteristics. Pressure regulation of a certain group’s cylinders has little influence on regulation of the other groups’ cylinders. The influence will not affect the process much during tunnel excavation. Pump displacement may have a greater effect on pressure regulation and oil supply flow rate should be adaptive to the system’s demand. A exacting situation is simulated to explain how pressure regulation works during tunnel excavation.