Influences of Microwave Irradiation on Rock-Breaking Efficiency of a Reduced-Scale TBM Cutter

To explore the influences of microwave irradiation on rock-breaking efficiency tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutters, a multimode cavity with power 2100 W was used to conduct tests Chifeng basalt for different durations. A combined abrasion test device reduced-scale SP3-I TBM cutter adopted wear and samples before after irradiation. Influences loss cutter, rock removal, cutting force, specific energy were investigated. The results show that linearly reduces while removal increases increasing exposure When penetration depth spacing are fixed, force work done by exerted decrease decreases in an exponential manner. These indicate can prolong service life process, reduce required thrust torque improve TBM.