Discrete element model for performance analysis of cutterhead excavation system of EPB machine

•The discrete element model of cutterhead system tunneling is presented.•The performance indicator of the cutterhead system is defined and measured in the DEM model.•The model can be used to forecast the system performance and optimize the system structure.

With the aim of probing for design theory of cutterhead excavation system of earth pressure balance (EPB) machine, the parameters representing the system performance are concluded firstly. Then a 3D model for cutterhead excavation system of EPB machine is presented with the discrete element method (DEM) software PFC3D, which is capable of simulating the tunneling ground in site, the machine structure and the excavation operation. The performance parameters indicating stability of excavation face, soil discharging rate, cutterhead system torque and cutter wear are measured by running the DEM code. The results obtained with the DEM model are accord with situ data. It indicates that the DEM model is a promising method replacing the field experiment to analyze the influences of the structural parameters on system performances, which are essential for structure optimization design of the cutterhead system of EPB machine.