Actual laboratory rock cutting tests were numerically simulated using the discrete element method (DEM). The main objective is to provide a method for calibrating numerical DEM models of rock cutting in a systematic way to yield realistic results. The calibrated models were evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively against actual laboratory cutting tests in terms of the ratio of the simulated mean cutting force to the actual one and the cutting force time series, respectively. The fully calibrated models show that the simulated cutting process matched qualitatively the actual cutting force recordings and underestimated the mean cutting force by approximately 3 percent. It is concluded that well-calibrated numerical simulations of the rock-cutting process can provide not only a better understanding of the process but also quantitative data regarding the cutting force and energy requirements.
Full-text paper:
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (2023) 40:211–227, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00724-8
