The Structural Design and Analysis of the Rock Hob Test-Bed

Hob plays an important role in the efficiency of Tunnel Boring machine (TBM). In this paper, a rock hob test-bed is designed and developed by the software of SolidWorks, and analysis of force and deformation of the test-bed is carried by the finite element method.The new rock hob test-bed includes the framework、moving workbench and its hydraulic system、hob saddle system and its hydraulic system, and measurement and control system. The improvement methods of the structure to decrease the maximum stress are showed in this paper. The research shows that the structural design of the rock hob test-bed is reasonable; its function meets experimental requirements of rock cutting; in the case of maximum load, the stress and deformation of the rock hob test-bed are less than their allowable value of materials. The research results are very helpful to understand the working mechanism and improving the structure design of the cutter-head of TBM.