Analysis of thermal stress distribution of TBM disc cutter

The disc cutter is used in the excavation of hard rock as one of the driving parts, so it is necessary to study the variation and distribution of thermal stress caused by contact friction with rock during the excavation. In this paper, the numerical simulation analysis of the rock breaking process of the disc cutter was carried out by using the software Abaqus and the dynamic simulation and mechanical analyses. The simulation results show the thermal stress distribution law very well. With the help of three-dimensional model of the cutter ring and rock, thermal, mechanical and coupling stress analyses on the effectiveness of rock breakage were carried out based on friction characteristics and the influence of relevant tool parameters. The results of this study will be helpful to study the thermal stress field distribution of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) disc cutter and maximise the tunnelling benefit.