ABSTRACT
In this study, improvements were made to Lei & Kaitkay’s work by using a parallel bond model. Cutting simulations of a common type of rock material, Carthage marble, were conducted. Hydrostatic pressure was considered to resemble the pressure of drilling mud that is typical for oil drilling operations. A parametric study was conducted to depict the effects of various parameters on the simulation results. Finally, the findings from this study are summarized and a new approach is proposed for future improvements in rock cutting simulation. For clarification, the following two pairs of terms are used interchangeably in this paper: ‘particle and ball’, ‘hydrostatic pressure and confining pressure’.
