The Modelling of Rock Fragmentation Mechanisms by Carbide Buttons Using the 3D Discrete Element Method

Button cutters are commonly used in hard rock drilling because the inserted carbide buttons provide exceptional wear resistance, impact and high strength challenging geological formations. One of most pressing issues designing a button cutter is to study breaking mechanisms buttons. In this study, three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) was employed investigate mechanism cutting performance five widely buttons, i.e., spherical, saddle, wedge, conical, parabolic The simulation results were compared with laboratory tests reveal indentation process. crack propagation pattern, energy dissipation, damage evolution associated force–penetration depth curve investigated. Tensile primary determinant for coalescence. By systematically exploring penetration index, specific energy, characteristics, conical had efficiency when low, saddle high. findings can references design cutter.