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A comparative study of bio-inspired dual reciprocating drilling as opposed to conventional rotary drilling methods using Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations

Vukasovic, Ana (2024) A comparative study of bio-inspired dual reciprocating drilling as opposed to conventional rotary drilling methods using Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations.

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Abstract:This thesis compares the effectiveness of reciprocating drilling and conventional rotational drilling, with a focus on the potential advantages of bio-inspired drilling technologies. By integrating experimental data and numerical simulations using the Discrete Element Method (DEM), the study analyzes how these drilling techniques perform under a variety of conditions and identifies key factors influencing their performance. The research aims to address the gap in understanding the mechanical behaviors of different drilling mechanisms and to assess the potential of reciprocating drilling for industrial applications. Initial experimental validation for different cases of simulations of linear penetration with and without rotation and with different drill bit geometries was performed due to limitations in conducting dual reciprocating drilling experiments. The validation of penetration forces showed less than a 15% discrepancy between experimental and simulated results. The initial experimental studies show that rotational drilling reduces the penetration force compared to simple penetration, while the presence of moisture in the granular substrate increases it. A sensitivity study was performed with the numerical model to explore the effects of friction, particle size, and speed on normal penetration forces, demonstrating the complexity of granular substrate behavior during drilling. A key innovation in this study is the development of a model capable of simulating dual reciprocating motion, which was used to compare normal forces generated by three drilling methods: penetrative, rotational, and reciprocating. The findings show that reciprocating drilling mostly outperforms rotational drilling in terms of lower maximum normal penetra- tion force, especially when operated within an optimal frequency range of 25-35 Hz. Beyond this range, the advantages of reciprocation diminish, suggesting that operational parameters play a critical role in maximizing the performance of this technique. In this study, the power consumption of the drill bit, contact forces between the substrate particles, and the granular system’s coordination number were studied between different drilling methods to further dis- cuss the drilling performance of reciprocating drilling. While we mainly compare the normal forces related to penetration, the study emphasizes that normal force is only one aspect of drilling performance. Other critical parameters, such as material removal rates, tool wear, and failure modes, require further investigation to fully assess the advantages of this method. This research provides a robust foundation for the development and optimization of bio-inspired drilling technologies, offering significant potential to improve the efficiency of drilling opera- tions, reduce tool wear, and minimize environmental impact. In conclusion, this thesis ad- vances the understanding of reciprocating drilling mechanisms and highlights their potential to revolutionize drilling processes through enhanced efficiency, precision, and sustainability.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:52 mechanical engineering
Programme:Mechanical Engineering MSc (60439)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104183
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