Analytical model of oscillatory disc cutting

Oscillatory disc cutting (ODC) technology has been analyzed. It has been shown that previously observed reduction of the cutting force can be fully attributed to the disc kinematics. The paper presents a simple analytical model, which is in very good agreement with available experimental data. Also it has been demonstrated that although the ODC technology is able to reduce reaction forces in excavation machines, it does not reduce the power required to destroy rock. Finally, the paper provides a very simple analytical expression for estimation of reaction forces, which is very useful for design of an ODC excavator.