Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation

With the increasing depth of mining operations and the emergence of complex geological conditions, pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) hammers have become an efficient drilling technology. This method utilizes high-pressure air to drive hammering actions for rock fragmentation. However, the layout and dur...

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Main Authors: Jing Zhou, Kunkun Li, Hao Wu, Yuan Dong, Bairu Xia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/3649
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author Jing Zhou
Kunkun Li
Hao Wu
Yuan Dong
Bairu Xia
author_facet Jing Zhou
Kunkun Li
Hao Wu
Yuan Dong
Bairu Xia
author_sort Jing Zhou
collection DOAJ
description With the increasing depth of mining operations and the emergence of complex geological conditions, pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) hammers have become an efficient drilling technology. This method utilizes high-pressure air to drive hammering actions for rock fragmentation. However, the layout and durability of tungsten carbide buttons significantly affect the rate of penetration (ROP). This study focuses on optimizing the button arrangement for large-diameter reverse circulation pneumatic DTH hammers to improve drilling efficiency. A numerical model incorporating zero-thickness cohesive elements was developed to simulate rock fracturing. A comparative analysis of 16 mm and 22 mm buttons under varying drilling pressures (1–1.8 kN) and impact energies (20–40 J) was conducted. Key metrics, including penetration depth, fragmentation range, stress-affected zone, and specific energy consumption, were analyzed. The results indicate that 22 mm buttons under 35 J impact energy and 1.4 kN drilling pressure exhibit superior performance, with optimal circumferential (47.2 mm) and radial (51.2 mm) spacing determined through stress superposition analysis. This configuration enhances the weakened rock strength zone, providing critical guidance for DTH hammer design.
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issn 2076-3417
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publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-ac299baa40bc4d9084b50cae683a28842025-08-20T02:09:18ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01157364910.3390/app15073649Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite FormationJing Zhou0Kunkun Li1Hao Wu2Yuan Dong3Bairu Xia4School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, ChinaSchool of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, ChinaSecond Exploration Bureau of China Coal Geology Administration, Beijing 100083, ChinaSinochem General Administration of Geology and Mines, Guizhou Institute of Geological Exploration, Guiyang 550003, ChinaSchool of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, ChinaWith the increasing depth of mining operations and the emergence of complex geological conditions, pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) hammers have become an efficient drilling technology. This method utilizes high-pressure air to drive hammering actions for rock fragmentation. However, the layout and durability of tungsten carbide buttons significantly affect the rate of penetration (ROP). This study focuses on optimizing the button arrangement for large-diameter reverse circulation pneumatic DTH hammers to improve drilling efficiency. A numerical model incorporating zero-thickness cohesive elements was developed to simulate rock fracturing. A comparative analysis of 16 mm and 22 mm buttons under varying drilling pressures (1–1.8 kN) and impact energies (20–40 J) was conducted. Key metrics, including penetration depth, fragmentation range, stress-affected zone, and specific energy consumption, were analyzed. The results indicate that 22 mm buttons under 35 J impact energy and 1.4 kN drilling pressure exhibit superior performance, with optimal circumferential (47.2 mm) and radial (51.2 mm) spacing determined through stress superposition analysis. This configuration enhances the weakened rock strength zone, providing critical guidance for DTH hammer design.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/3649percussive drillingimpact energygranitedrill bit impactnumerical simulation
spellingShingle Jing Zhou
Kunkun Li
Hao Wu
Yuan Dong
Bairu Xia
Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
Applied Sciences
percussive drilling
impact energy
granite
drill bit impact
numerical simulation
title Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
title_full Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
title_fullStr Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
title_full_unstemmed Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
title_short Numerical Simulation of Rock-Breaking Mechanism by Spherical Tooth Impact in Granite Formation
title_sort numerical simulation of rock breaking mechanism by spherical tooth impact in granite formation
topic percussive drilling
impact energy
granite
drill bit impact
numerical simulation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/3649
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AT haowu numericalsimulationofrockbreakingmechanismbysphericaltoothimpactingraniteformation
AT yuandong numericalsimulationofrockbreakingmechanismbysphericaltoothimpactingraniteformation
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