Numerical investigation of dynamic rock fragmentation in mechanical cutting using combined FEM/DEM

In recent years, numerical simulations have been used widely for investigation of mechanical rock cutting. However, the capability of the modelling methods has yet remained open for question. In an attempt to address the shortcomings of the existing methods, this paper proposes a new extension of combined finite/discrete element method (FEM/DEM), which takes into account the mix-mode I-II fracture criteria for predicting the initiation and propagation of cracks. The code's ability in modelling rock fracture process is investigated by simulating fragmentation with a mechanical cutter. The model characterized the rock-tool interaction, computing the direction of crack growth leading to chip generation. The obtained results demonstrated the capability of the proposed combined FEM/DEM method in modelling mechanical rock cutting process. The code could successfully handle the chipping process, being able to model the stress concentration, crack initiation, crack propagation and chip separation.