ANALYSIS OF SURFACE SET DIAMOND BIT PERFORMANCE

Abstract

With the assumption of perfect cleaning, a theory of the drilling performance of surface set diamond bits has been developed. The analysis is based on the previously developed theory of the cutting action of a single diamond, in which it was assumed that rock behavior during cutting may be approximated by that of rigid- plastic, Coulomb material. With specified drilling conditions and rock formation, expressions for bit torque and bit weight are obtained in terms of bit penetration rate. Expressions also are obtained for the depths of cut of the diamonds.