Optimizing rock cutting through computer simulation

This paper presents an original thermomechanical model of rock cutting with evaluation of tool wear. The model has been developed within the framework of the discrete element method, which is a suitable numerical method to study problems of multiple material fractures like those of rock cutting. The paper presents brief overview of the theoretical formulation, calibration of the discrete element model, and a number of numerical results obtained in simulation of rock cutting processes typical for underground excavation, using both roadheaders and TBMS.