Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method

This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation parameters under diverse geological conditions, offering significant engineering value by enhancing construction efficiency and reducing costs. As the development of underground spaces advances, TBMs p...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Feng Liang, Chenyuan Pei, Weibang Luo, Minglong You, Fei Tan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/38
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1841549439144034304
author Feng Liang
Chenyuan Pei
Weibang Luo
Minglong You
Fei Tan
author_facet Feng Liang
Chenyuan Pei
Weibang Luo
Minglong You
Fei Tan
author_sort Feng Liang
collection DOAJ
description This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation parameters under diverse geological conditions, offering significant engineering value by enhancing construction efficiency and reducing costs. As the development of underground spaces advances, TBMs play a pivotal role in tunnel excavation. TBMs enhance safety in excavation by mechanically breaking rock, reducing the reliance on explosives, and the associated risks of blasts. The shield support minimizes surrounding rock collapse, advanced geological forecasting mitigates risks posed by complex geologies, and intelligent monitoring systems improve operational safety. To enhance TBM efficiency and safety, this study developed a 3D simulation model of rock breaking by disc cutters using the discrete element method. This study systematically examined the effects of excavation parameters, including disc-cutter diameter, cutter spacing, and penetration, on rock-breaking performance. The findings reveal, that as the disc-cutter diameter increases, the rolling force also increases, while the rock-breaking specific energy initially rises and then declines. The 19-inch disc cutter demonstrated a superior rock-breaking efficiency in conventional excavation operations. At a cutter spacing of 60 mm, the rock-breaking specific energy reached its lowest value, representing optimal efficiency. Furthermore, as the penetration increased, both the rolling force and rock fragmentation volume grew, whereas the specific energy decreased, further improving the rock-breaking efficiency.
format Article
id doaj-art-48bfc847e9de4b1093276c11252289f6
institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-48bfc847e9de4b1093276c11252289f62025-01-10T13:14:14ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-12-011513810.3390/app15010038Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element MethodFeng Liang0Chenyuan Pei1Weibang Luo2Minglong You3Fei Tan4Xinjiang Water Conservancy and Hydropower Survey Design Institute Co., Ltd., Urumqi 830000, ChinaXinjiang Shuifa Construction Group Co., Ltd., Urumqi 830000, ChinaXinjiang Water Conservancy and Hydropower Survey Design Institute Co., Ltd., Urumqi 830000, ChinaFaculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaFaculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaThis study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation parameters under diverse geological conditions, offering significant engineering value by enhancing construction efficiency and reducing costs. As the development of underground spaces advances, TBMs play a pivotal role in tunnel excavation. TBMs enhance safety in excavation by mechanically breaking rock, reducing the reliance on explosives, and the associated risks of blasts. The shield support minimizes surrounding rock collapse, advanced geological forecasting mitigates risks posed by complex geologies, and intelligent monitoring systems improve operational safety. To enhance TBM efficiency and safety, this study developed a 3D simulation model of rock breaking by disc cutters using the discrete element method. This study systematically examined the effects of excavation parameters, including disc-cutter diameter, cutter spacing, and penetration, on rock-breaking performance. The findings reveal, that as the disc-cutter diameter increases, the rolling force also increases, while the rock-breaking specific energy initially rises and then declines. The 19-inch disc cutter demonstrated a superior rock-breaking efficiency in conventional excavation operations. At a cutter spacing of 60 mm, the rock-breaking specific energy reached its lowest value, representing optimal efficiency. Furthermore, as the penetration increased, both the rolling force and rock fragmentation volume grew, whereas the specific energy decreased, further improving the rock-breaking efficiency.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/38disc cutterscutter diametercutter spacingpenetrationsimulation analysisdiscrete element simulation
spellingShingle Feng Liang
Chenyuan Pei
Weibang Luo
Minglong You
Fei Tan
Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
Applied Sciences
disc cutters
cutter diameter
cutter spacing
penetration
simulation analysis
discrete element simulation
title Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
title_full Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
title_fullStr Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
title_full_unstemmed Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
title_short Numerical Simulation Analysis of Different Excavation Parameters for TBM 3D Disc Cutters Based on the Discrete Element Method
title_sort numerical simulation analysis of different excavation parameters for tbm 3d disc cutters based on the discrete element method
topic disc cutters
cutter diameter
cutter spacing
penetration
simulation analysis
discrete element simulation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/38
work_keys_str_mv AT fengliang numericalsimulationanalysisofdifferentexcavationparametersfortbm3ddisccuttersbasedonthediscreteelementmethod
AT chenyuanpei numericalsimulationanalysisofdifferentexcavationparametersfortbm3ddisccuttersbasedonthediscreteelementmethod
AT weibangluo numericalsimulationanalysisofdifferentexcavationparametersfortbm3ddisccuttersbasedonthediscreteelementmethod
AT minglongyou numericalsimulationanalysisofdifferentexcavationparametersfortbm3ddisccuttersbasedonthediscreteelementmethod
AT feitan numericalsimulationanalysisofdifferentexcavationparametersfortbm3ddisccuttersbasedonthediscreteelementmethod