Research On Simulation Of The Segment Erector Of Slurry Shield Machine Based On Digital Prototyping Technology

The tunnel is an important part of modern projects. Tunnel Boring Machine is the main equipment in tunnel constructions. The segment erector is one of the important parts of Tunnel Boring Machine. It is a kind of assembly equipment with high efficiency, high precision and high intelligence, and is the key subsystem of rear corollary equipments. The erector can assemble the prefabricated reinforced concrete segments into the tunnel lining, in order to protect the tunnel and prevent it collapse. China is lack of core technology in research and development of Tunnel Boring Machine. The performance of segment erector is poor compared with Japan, America, Germany and other developed countries. In recent years, with the nationalization of Tunnel Boring Machine, China has acquired some achievements in the research and development technology of segment erector. The structural performance and dynamic characteristics of the segment erector affect its life, working stability, and the assembly precision of segments.Digital prototyping technology is an important technology based on the computer technology. The rapid development of computer technology makes digital prototyping technology rapidly mature. Digital prototyping technology can help engineers to solve many complex problems that can not be solved with traditional methods, especially the analysis and experimental verification of large machines’performance. Using digital prototype technology can help to save a lot of time and cost, so it is widely used in various fields.This paper studied the segment erector of the Φ11.182m Slurry Shield Machine, and made simulation analysis for the segment erector by digital prototype technology. The structure and working principle of erector was studied. Digital models of the key parts of the erector were built and assembled by three-dimensional modeling software Pro/E, and interference inspection on the assembly was made. Then the digital prototype development of the segment erector was completed. After that, the models were transferred from PRO/E into ADAMS through the interface, and dynamic simulation was made. Translational driving force, rotating torque, lifting force, loads on the end of lift cylinder rod and the end of erector head were obtained. The maximum force was obtained by simulating on patch angle0°,90°and180°. Then the loads were used as boundary conditions and finite element analysis of erector head was made. Stresses and deformation of erector in the three working conditions were obtained. Then structure analysis of erector was made. The results provide references to structure optimization of the erector. Lastly, rigid-flexible-coupled models of erector were built based on ANSYS and ADAMS. The rigid body was replaced with flexible bodies of erector head and bridge. Dynamic simulation was made to study the effect on erector’s movements caused by the flexible deformation of erector head and bridge, and the effect on flexible deformation of bridge caused by translation and rotation of erector. Dynamic characteristics of erector head in different patch cycles and patch angles were studied. The results provide references to work step planning of the segment erector.