Design and finite element analysis of a variable cross-section cutter ring

The cutter ring is the core part of the disc cutter. The parametric model of the variable cross-section(VCS) cutter ring is designed according to the cutter ring's failure mode and the rock's mechanical properties. The finite element method is used to carry out modal frequency, penetration, and rolling simulations of constant cross section(CCS) and VCS cutter rings. Finally, the experimental results of the two are compared and analysed. The results show that the natural frequencies of CCS and VCS cutter rings of the same type have little difference, the mode shapes and amplitudes are almost the same, and the replacement of CCS and VCS cutter rings will not cause the change of vibration field. Unlike the CCS cutter ring, the VCS cutter ring applies a periodic force on the rocks in the rolling process. The energy output from the VCS cutter ring can adapt to the characteristics of rock materials, promotes the development of rock cracks, and accelerates the rate of rock breakage. The VCS cutter ring is subjected to the reaction force of rock mass, which reduces the local wear failure caused due to low friction.