Li, XuefengWang, ShiboGe, ShirongMalekian, RezaLi, Zhixiong2018-08-062017-12Li, X., Wang, S., Ge, S. et al. 2017, 'Numerical simulation of rock fragmentation during cutting by conical picks under confining pressure', Comptes Rendus Mécanique, vol. 345, no. 12, pp. 890-902.1631-0721http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66106In this article, the effect of confining pressure on rock fragmentation process during cutting was investigated by numerical simulation with a discrete element method (DEM). Four kinds of sandstones with different physical properties were simulated in the rock cutting models under different confining pressures. The rock fragmentation process, the cutting force, and the specific energy under different confining pressures were analyzed. With the increase in confining pressure and rock strength, the vertical propagation of cracks was restrained. Rock samples were compacted and strengthened by confining pressure resulting in the increase of the cutting force. The specific energy of rock cutting linearly increased with the increase of the confining pressure ratio.en© 2017 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reservved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Comptes Rendus Mécanique. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Comptes Rendus Mécanique, vol. 345, no. 12, pp. 890-902. 2018, doi : 10.1016/j.crme.2017.09.004.Rock fragmentationCuttingDiscrete element method (DEM)SandstonesConfining pressureDeep mineConical pickPostprint Article