The simulation analysis of the TBM disc cutter phase angle

Abstract

A series of numerical experiments was performed to simulate rock fragmentation by TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) disc cutter. We used the large non-linear dynamic finite element software ANSYS/LS-DYNA to simulate three-dimensional dynamic process of two disc cutters cutting soft rock. The information such as when disc cutters combined, the fore disc cutter's has effect on the rear disc cutter under different cutting phase angle, and the soft rocks stress field of the disc cutters at its corresponded load steps and so on are obtained, what's more, the results had been carefully analyzed. The simulation results shows that, with the increase of phase angle of the two adjacent disc cutters, there is little change in the average lateral force and the average rolling force of the rear cutter. When the phase angle equals to 120°, the average vertical force obtains its minimum, and the maximal external lateral force of the rear cutter is larger than its maximal internal lateral force, then the lateral unbalance force points to inside. This conclusion provides basic data for the structural design of cutter head and engineering construction maintenance. The conclusion can be used as a guide for the further research of TBM cutters' rock fragmentation mechanism and can provide a reliable foundation for the improvement of the design of TBM cutters. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.