Measurement of cutter forces acting on disc cutters with different ring shapes during linear cutting tests

Abstract: Predicting the cutter forces that act on disc cutters is essential for the design and performance evaluation of tunnel boring machines. Here, we present the results of an experimental evaluation of the differences in cutter forces and stresses with changes in the ring shape of a disc cutter. Cutter-normal and rolling forces, and cutter-normal stresses increase in proportion to the contact area between the disc cutter ring and the rock surface. However, cutter rolling stresses show a slight decrease with increasing contact area. These results indicate that even though a V-shaped disc cutter can improve cutting efficiency within soft and moderate-strength rock, it is unlikely that this type of cutter can improve the cutting efficiency under hard-rock conditions due to an increase in cutter rolling stress within the V-shaped disc cutter.