Force Analysis of the Disc Cutter on a TBM

Studying the force of disc cutters in the process of breaking rock can optimize the design and improve the life span of disc cutters. The finite element model of a disc cutter in the process of breaking rock was created by ABAQUS, and the model was dynamically simulated and analyzed. The results show that hydraulic jacks of a full face rock tunnel machine need to constantly increase pressure in order to maintain the excavation speed and the results that verify that the maximum instantaneous contact force is 2~3 times larger than the average contact force. Also, it was determined that ABAQUS can simulate the phenomenon of the ballast splashed out of the rock.