Cutting experiments in sandstones with blunt PDC cutters

Results of cutting tests, that were undertaken at Imperial College on three different sandstones using blunt PDC cutters, are presented and analyzed. The analysis follows the model of rock cutting, recently proposed by Detournay and Defourny [1], which assumes that the “cutting” process is actually a combination of pure cutting and frictional contact. The theoretical prediction of the model are compared with the experimental results and the relations between the basic parameters of the cutting process and the geomechanical characteristics of the rocks are discussed.

• Introduction

• Model of Rock Cutting

• Experimental Conditions

• Determination of the Friction Line

• Determination of the Cutting Point

• Frictional Contact Forces

• Concluding Remarks

• References