Dynamic Characteristics Analysis with Multi-Directional Coupling in a TBM Mainframe

Abstract

The cutterhead of a full-face rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) is constantly subjected to varying impact and dynamic loads during tunneling processes, resulting in relatively large vibrations that could easily lead to fatigue cracking of the entire machine and affect the tunneling performance and efficiency. To explore the dynamic characteristics of the TBM mainframe, a TBM from a water-diversion project is investigated in this research. According to the TBM vibration transmission route, an equivalent dynamic model of the TBM mainframe is established using the lumped-mass method in which the relevant dynamic parameters are solved. Additionally, the dynamic response characteristics of the TBM mainframe are analyzed. The results indicate that the vibration levels in three directions are approximately the same, the multi-directional vibration of the cutterhead is more intense than that of other components, and the vibration and external excitation exhibit identical change trends. A set of vibration field tests is performed to analyze the in situ dynamic responses of the mainframe and verify the correctness of the dynamic model. The theoretical and measured acceleration values of the TBM mainframe have the same magnitude, which proves the validity of the dynamic model and its solution. The aforementioned results provide an important theoretical value and practical significance for the design and assessment of the TBM mainframe.