Comparison of the methods for calculating instant depth of cut

When cutting rocks using mechanical excavators, the depth of cut (DOC) of cutting picks is a major factor that affects the forces on the picks and the drum on which the picks are installed. To optimize the design of the picks and the drum, as well as the operation of the continuous mining machine, it is necessary to analyze the DOC of individual picks accurately. In a cutting cycle, different picks can be in various positions and consequently have diverse DOCs which are termed the instant DOCs at the corresponding positions. In this study, it is aimed to investigate both accurate solution and approximate formula for the calculation of instant DOC. Based on theoretical analysis, the equations for the calculation of instant DOC have been developed, and the quantitative comparisons between the different DOC calculation methods have been made. The influence of the advance speed per revolution of the drum on the instant DOC, the cut interactions between picks and the cutting sections of individual picks have also been investigated. The results can assist in the selection of an appropriate DOC calculation method and improvement of drum design and operation.