New Developments for Single-Cutter Modeling of Evaporites Using Discrete Element Method

This paper deals with the drilling of rocks by fixed polycrystalline diamond cutters. Single-cutter experiments were carried out on evaporites and results are presented in terms of forces acting upon the cutter and mechanical specific energy spent during cutting action. The discrete element numerical method was used to simulate the single-cutter experiments based on rock properties obtained from high strain rate compression triaxial tests carried out on evaporites. The effects of depth of cut, cutter friction and geometry on drilling efficiency were studied. Drilling efficiency increases with DOC up to a certain level where it stabilizes. The decrease of drilling efficiency with increase of cutter friction and use of blunt cutters also indicates that the methodology is satisfactorily robust and accurate.