Title: Research on simulation of tunnel boring machine based on virtual prototype

Authors: Yadong Gong, Jun Cheng

Addresses: Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Northeastern University, P.O. Box 319, Shenyang, 110004, P.R. China. ' Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Northeastern University, P.O. Box 319, Shenyang, 110004, P.R. China

Abstract: Technology of digital mockup is introduced and the application background and practical requirement of tunnel boring machine has been discussed in this paper. One type of EPB tunnel boring machine|s virtual prototype has been built. Software PROE is used to build the tunnel boring machine model. Application program of virtual assembly system base on virtual reality is developed by using division. The author also study on key technologies of constructing virtual assembly system of tunnel boring machine, such as interference detection in virtual environment. The result shows that the work station can be simulated well, and this virtual simulation system can be extended in virtual training and manipulation, virtual construction and so on. And finite element analysis of some critical components is operated. Structure strength checking which can provide support for the optimal design of segment erector has been made.

Keywords: tunnel boring machines; virtual prototyping; virtual assembly; finite element analysis; FEA; digital mockups; modelling; structural strength; optimal design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2010.033940

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2010 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.310 - 329

Published online: 05 Jul 2010 *

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