Numerical investigation of temperature distribution on a tunnel boring machine disc cutter affected by geomechanically and excavation parameters

Abstract

This study focuses on the thermal behavior of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) through an in-depth investigation into the temperature distribution of their disc cutters. Utilizing the differential quadrature method (DQM), the research conducts a comprehensive numerical analysis to assess the impact of excavation and geological parameters on disc cutter temperature and wear. The accuracy of the DQM model is validated against the finite difference method (FDM), demonstrating comparative results with reduced computational requirements. The findings indicate a significant correlation between disc cutter temperature and various factors, such as rotational speed, spacing, geological conditions, and material strength. Notably, increased spacing or cutter speed leads to higher temperatures and accelerated cutter wear. Moreover, geological factors, particularly rock strength, influence friction coefficients, affecting disc cutter temperatures significantly. For instance, even a slight increase in cutter spacing results in a substantial 65% rise in cutter consumption, underscoring the relevance of these findings for life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluations across diverse geological and environmental conditions in TBM operations.