Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rock Breaking by the Tipped Hob Cutter Based on Explicit Finite Element

Xiukun Hu,Changlong Du,Zhiqiang Liu,Songyong Liu,Hao Tan

doi:10.1109/access.2019.2925427

Xiukun Hu, Changlong Du + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2019.2925427

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Abstract

As an important equipment for wellbore construction, the raise boring machine (RBM) has been widely used in subway tunnels and mine construction projects. Its tipped hob cutter for rock breaking is directly related to the cost, safety, and overall performance of the project. However, few open studies research on the rock-breaking by the tipped hob cutter, and there is still a lack of enough understanding of how the cutter breaks rock and the form of the rock breaking. In this paper, we study how the tipped hob cutter breaks the rock, and how to establish the finite-element model of the rock breaking by the cutter, with using the numerical simulation software LS-DYNA to analyze the rolling process and rock fracture form of the cutter. By studying the fracture morphology of rocks, it is proposed that there are three fracture modes of rock breaking: forward slip, no slip, and backward slip, using the experimental verification. On this basis, study the variation laws and correlations of feed force, lateral force, and positive force under different moving speeds and penetration depths. The results in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for improving the tool design of the tipped hob cutter on the RBM against the efficiency of rock-breaking.

Highlights

The 21st century is known as the underground engineering century, because the human beings need to build a lot of underground engineering structures to expand the utilization of space resources
Its working principle is that the drill pipe applies the tension to press the tipped hob cutter into the rock, and the drill pipe rotates to drive the cutter to break the rock
The feed force, lateral force, and positive force are analyzed to find out their variation laws and correlations

Summary

Introduction

The 21st century is known as the underground engineering century, because the human beings need to build a lot of underground engineering structures to expand the utilization of space resources. As an important equipment for wellbore construction, the raise boring machine (RBM) have been widely used in mineral development, subway tunnels, urban pipe corridors, etc., so efficient construction of wells is important. The RBM uses tipped hob cutter to break rock by rolling. Compared with the early application of rock breaking methods such as impact and cutting, it is the most efficient and adaptable rock breaking method [1]. Its working principle is that the drill pipe applies the tension to press the tipped hob cutter into the rock, and the drill pipe rotates to drive the cutter to break the rock.

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