Relieved specific energy estimation using FLCM and PLCM linear rock cutting machines and comparison with rock properties

Specific energy is defined as the amount of work required to break a unit volume of rock and used to predict the performance of mechanical miners. This value can be obtained from full-scaled laboratory linear (FLCM) or portable linear rock cutting (PLCM) experiments at different cut spacings and depths, respectively. For this purpose, full-scaled linear and portable linear rock cutting experiments are performed on 5 different blocks of rock samples including Beige marble, Kufeki limestone, Travertine, Sandstone and Limestone. Cutter forces acting on a cutter in three orthogonal directions (cutting force, normal force, and sideway force) and, specific energy values are measured during testing. In addition, some physical and mechanical property testing are carried out and the relationships between optimum specific energy values and rock mechanical properties are analyzed using regression analysis. Statistical analyses suggest that the relieved specific energy values can be predicted reliably from rock mechanical properties to select the most efficient mechanical miners for a given rock or mineral.