Disc cutter wear prediction for a hard rock TBM cutterhead based on energy analysis

摘要

Disc cutter wear is a crucial problem that influences the working efficiency and security of hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This wear results from friction energy accumulation and conversion. In this study, the process of hard rock TBM disc cutter wear is identified and analyzed by quantifying the collective energy change. This study starts with an analysis of the friction process between the disc cutter and hard rock. The relationship between the rolling force work and thrust force work of the disc cutter is examined. As a result, the disc cutter energy equation is determined, and the meaning of the upper and lower bounds of this equation are discussed. Based on the above results, the hard rock TBM cutterhead energy equation is then deduced. A method to identify the friction work is developed. According to the energy wear theory, the cutter wear law on hard rock for a TBM cutterhead is revealed, and a method for predicting disc cutter wear for a hard rock TBM cutterhead is advanced. Furthermore, the validity of this prediction method is confirmed by utilizing data from project cases. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.