Design and simulation of a wireline core drilling device for near-shore applications

Abstract

The PROTEUS project involves the construction of a self-propelled and floating amphibious machine for near shore geological surveys. In this context, the development of a wireline core drilling device was tackled, evolving with respect to existing models and responding to the specificities of the new application. In the preliminary phase, comparative research was carried out both through market research and through reverse engineering activities on core drill models deemed suitable for the purpose, thus identifying the functional priorities and criticalities of the existing material through the ex-post analysis of the subject elements to wear and tear. Once the requirements of the new core drilling device were formalized, the constructive layout was defined, giving priority to functions such as sample management, interlocking and rapid disengagement from the drilling actuation system. The construction details of the mechanical coupling profiles were then optimized by simulation in a multibody software environment, in order to ensure full functionality even in harsh environments, typical of the application, making an advancement with respect to the previously identified reference solutions. Finally, the executive design of the component was carried out by introducing the corrections deriving from the simulation results and considering different solutions in relation to the material adopted and its production needs through machining processes.