Laboratory research on the influence of selected technological parameters on cutting forces during hard rock mining with asymmetric disc tools

One of the most prospective developments of hard rock mechanical excavation methods is the possibility of the disc tools usage in new constructions of mining machinery. For many years, such research on the excavation using both symmetrical and asymmetrical disc tools has been conducted in the Department of Mining, Dressing and Transporting Machines in the AGH University in Cracow. The primary effect of these tests is an innovative solution of a mining head with complex motion trajectory asymmetrical disc tools. The concept of the disc head assumes the mining of rock stone by chipping as a result of a complex trajectory of disc tools. To develop such innovative construction of roadheader head, determination of work principles and guidelines based on laboratory tests was necessary. The article presents the methodology, course, and results of the disc tools mining tests. Those studies included quasi-static and dynamic experiments of excavation using disc tools. In this paper constructions of specially prepared laboratory stands for the examination of disc tools of complex trajectory were presented. Each trial has been performed for different physical properties of rock samples and different excavation technology. The conducted research significantly broadens the scope of knowledge in the field of mining with asymmetrical disc tools. The results of tests described in the paper could be used in the construction of innovative machines and devices for mechanical hard rock mining, in opposition to classical mining methods involving explosive materials.