Adams modelling of contact forces between disc cutter and mount

Abstract: ABSTRACTThe purpose of this thesis has been to develop a calculation module for use in the simulation software Adams. The calculation module is based on equations found in the literature. A disc cutter is the tool in contact with the mount for example in tunnel boring machines. A disc cutter is a circular disc, made of high strength steel. A literary study was made where equations determining the forces acting on the disc cutter were found. The equations used in the module are based on the disc cutter’s penetration into the rock, the spacing between two cuts and the rock properties, such as the compressive and Brazilian tensile strength. The simulation module was made and used in the simulation software Adams where the forces and moments acting on the disc cutter while cutting rock can be simulated. The advantage of the simulation model is that it is built in such a way that many disc cutters can be linked together and the forces from each of them can work together. A test was made on the simulation model and compared to a real test from the literature, made in a Linear Cutting Machine, and the theoretical calculated force from the model for the given rock penetration and spacing between the two cuts. The simulation model showed a clear correlation to the theoretical calculated normal force, the normal force from the LCM test was higher. The rolling force from the theoretical model correlated well to the rolling force from the LCM test while the simulation generated a higher rolling force. The side forces for the LCM test and the simulation model correlated well.