Embedded Files
Tunnel excavation requires machines to operate in various geological condition with precision, they have historically required a lot of manual supervision for safety and success.
The Automation Team aims to change this. They are responsible for automating the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to reduce manual operation labour and allowing it to be operated remotely.
Design and optimize Excavation and Soil Extractions systems
In the world of tunnel excavation, navigating diverse geological conditions requires precision and innovation. Soft ground demands specialized cutting tools such as discs, scrapers, and cutting knives, while hard rock conditions benefit from steel alloy disc cutters. Our Automation Team is at the forefront of designing a revolutionary cutterhead, exploring the dynamics of both soft and hard ground interactions. In the spirit of competition, we are excited to share our journey, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Not-A-Boring Competition.
While research projects often align with actual tunneling endeavors, our unique approach considers the diverse geological conditions that may be encountered globally. The Automation Team aims to develop an automated method for operating Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in various conditions, reducing the need for on-site labour and enabling remote operation.
Cutterhead Design
Monash BEST proudly presents our cutting-edge design, meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous standards of both industry requirements and competition readiness.
Cutter Wheel
Our meticulous cutter teeth design, seamlessly integrated with a precision-engineered drive shaft, guarantees the smooth operation of the cutterhead. This dynamic pairing not only facilitates the rotation of cutter teeth but also ensures optimal excavation performance, even in the most challenging underground conditions.
Bearing
This is the bearing/gear that was selected for the cutterhead, chosen to ensure efficient and effective motion of the cutter head.Â
Cutter Tooth
This highlights the cutter tooth optimisation, minimising the size of the tooth to ensure sturdiness and reduce material usage, saving cost and manufacturing emissions .
Built Prototype
To ensure maximum safety and ensure the cutter head will be effective and resistant to wear/damage, the team completed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on the optimised cutter head design.
Numerical Simulation
Following the selection, numerical modelling and analysis of the cutter head the team 3D printed the model to better understand how the pieces fit together and how it can be further improved in the following year.
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