Optimum spacing of TBM disc cutters: A numerical simulation using the three-dimensional dynamic fracturing method

A series of numerical experiments was performed to simulate rock fragmentation by TBM disc cutter. We used AUTODYN-3D to simulate three-dimensional dynamic failure observed in linear cutting machine (LCM) tests. By acquiring the mean rolling force and the mass of rock debris during the numerical test, we were able to calculate the specific energy which is defined as energy required to cut through a unit volume of rock. Before performing the main...