Optimizing rock breaking performance: The influence of chamfer on polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters

Research on the rock-breaking performance of the Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutter has primarily focused on sharp cutters, often overlooking the influence of chamfer. Notably, the design of chamfer parameters has been largely unreported. In this study, we established a theoretical model of cutting force that takes chamfer into account. We analysed the primary and secondary relationships of four factors – back rake angle, depth of cut, chamfer angle, and chamfer length – on the force of the PDC cutter. This was done through a pseudo-level orthogonal level test. A numerical simulation, based on the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) method, was conducted to analyse the rock-breaking force and stress distribution characteristics of PDC cutters with different chamfer angles. Combined with a drop hammer impact test, we provided an optimized design of chamfer parameters. Our findings revealed that while the chamfer had a relatively minor influence on the force of the PDC cutter, it contributed to the optimal distribution of stress on the PDC cutter. This effectively protected the cutting edge and prevented early cracks and spalls of the cutter. When the chamfer angle was less than or equal to the back rake angle, the resultant force of the PDC cutter increased with the increase of the chamfer angle. However, when the chamfer angle was greater than the back rake angle, the resultant force of the PDC cutter first increased and then slightly decreased with the increase of the chamfer angle. Additionally, the resultant force of the PDC cutter increased approximately linearly with the increase of chamfer length. When the chamfer angle of the PDC cutter was between 30° and 45°, the fluctuation of the cutting force was relatively smooth, the rock-breaking process was stable, and the cutter’s impact resistance energy was relatively higher. These findings will provide valuable guidelines for the design of chamfered PDC cutters.