Dynamic analysis and load-sharing characteristic of multiple pinion drives in tunnel boring machine

A dynamic model of multi-gear drive in a tunnel boring machine is demonstrated in this study in which the effects of inertia on the driving mechanism and cutter head are considered. With the nonlinear coupling factors between the ring gear and multiple pinions considered, a dynamic analysis of multiple pinion drives is conducted, and their load-sharing characteristic is proposed. The load-sharing coefficients at different rotating cutter head speeds and input torques are determined and are found to reach up to 1.2–1.3. A simulated experimental platform of multiple pinion drives is performed, and subsequent torque distributions are measured under step load in the driving shaft of pinions. An imbalance in torque distribution of pinions is verified, and the load-sharing coefficients in each pinion can reach 1.262. Torque load fluctuation is regarded as system noise that can directly be coupled into the control system in the control strategy.