Bit cutter-on-rock tribometry: Analyzing friction and rate-of-penetration for deep well drilling substrates

In this paper, techniques for studying the tribology of rock cutting were developed using bit cutter-on-rock tribometry (B-CORT). Tribological testing was carried out on water-jet fabricated rock disks representative of those found during deep well drilling. The tribometer was also retrofitted with a variable radius cutter assembly, and a system for the capture of in situ rate-of-penetration (ROP). Results include in situ coefficient of friction (COF) and ROP for O1 tool steel cutters on Carthage Marble rock disks. Additionally, this work includes validation of the DOC measurement system with optical interferometry. The interdependence of interfacial cutting friction, ROP, and disk speed are discussed and qualitatively validated against existing studies.