Research on rock breaking mechanism of laser-assisted TBM cutter based on continuous-discrete coupling method

作者：Yukun Chen, Zhiqiang Huang, Kai Fu, Meng Yin, Long Li · 发表于：Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.tust.2025.106853 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Tunneling and Rock Mechanics、Drilling and Well Engineering、Advanced machining processes and optimization

In extreme geological formations such as high stress, high rock strength and high quartz content, the frequent replacement of cutters due to failure during TBM tunneling leads to a sharp increase in construction costs. Laser-assisted TBM cutter rock breaking technology is a novel high-efficiency approach to rock breaking, which reduces rock strength through laser irradiation, whereby enhancing the efficiency of TBM excavation. Nevertheless, the dearth of research on its intricate rock breaking mechanism and rock-breaking characteristics impedes its further application and development. In this work, a numerical simulation model that couples continuous element laser thermo-mechanical analysis with a discrete element model of heterogeneous granite was established. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed model were rigorously validated through experimental tests. The research was conducted on rock breaking by TBM cutter under laser assistance at different power levels. The study revealed the temperature field and crack characteristics of the granite under different laser power levels, as well as the features of newly generated cracks caused by cutter and the variation patterns of the normal force of cutter. The research results indicate that laser irradiation of granite can elevate the internal temperature of the granite to as high as 2000 °C. As the laser power increases, the number of microcracks cracks generated by the laser irradiation of granite also increase. Except ...