Theoretical Research and Simulation Analysis on the Cutter Spacing of Double Disc Cutters Breaking Rock

Abstract

The arrangement of disc cutter on a cutter head is important to improve the performance of TBM (tunnel boring machine) cutter, cutter life and cutter disc bearing life, then reduce vibration of TBM and reduce the noise. The rock breaking with double disc cutters is the basis of study on the distribution of disc cutter on cutter head, and it plays an important role on optimum arrangement of disc cutter on cutter head. In the process of rock breaking with double disc cutters, the axial vertical distance between two cutters is an important construction parameter, which directly affects rock breaking efficiency. Therefore, research on optimal cutter spacing and analysis of adaptability between cutter spacing and rock characteristics play an important role in optimizing the arrangement of cutter on the cutter head and improving the rock breaking efficiency of TBM. This paper analyzed the breaking rock force of double disc cutters. Taking granite samples as an example, the process of rock breaking with double disc cutters was simulated. Then rock fragmentation analysis based on different cutter spacing was carried out. Finally, the rock of different cutter spacing adaptability was studied. A series of conclusions about double disc cutters breaking rock were drawn.