Surrounding rock stress distribution characterization via unit cutting energy

Drill-cutting methods play a vital role in rock burst monitoring and early warning. In this study, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the drill-cutting method, first, a linear positive correlation between the drill-cutting weight and surrounding rock stress is revealed based on elastic damage mechanics. Next, a drill-cutting mechanical equation between the unit cutting energy and digital drilling parameters is established, and a model for the unit cutting energy and drill-cutting weight, the Ec–N model, is proposed for surrounding rock stress distribution characterization. Furthermore, to verify the rationality of the Ec–N model, an intelligent drill-cutting apparatus was developed, which consists of a hydraulic power system, digital drill-cutting system, intelligent monitoring system, and auxiliary control system. Finally, in-situ testing was conducted at the 703 working face of a coal mine in China, and the surrounding rock stress distribution characteristics were characterized using the proposed Ec–N model. The results show that the Ec–N model characterization results are in agreement with the measured drill-cutting weights, with a mean deviation of 10.7%. The results and findings of this study are conducive to rock burst monitoring and early warning in coal mines.