Title: Biomimetic application of non-smooth surface characteristic in anti-sticking drill stem

Authors: Xiaofeng Yang; Re Xia; Hongwei Zhou; Lu Guo; Lijun Zhang

Addresses: School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China; Suzhou Institute of Wuhan University, Suzhou 215123, China ' School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China ' School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China ' State Key Laboratory of Shield Machine and Boring Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China ' Suzhou Institute of Wuhan University, Suzhou 215123, China

Abstract: It is one of the common phenomenon that the drill stem could be easily stuck in soft stratum, which consequently affects the drilling efficiency seriously. A biomimetic method to relieve the sticking problem of the drill stem is presented and studied. The anti-sticky mechanism of the earthworm for its amazing burrowing in soft soil is investigated and probed further, figuring out the fact that the corrugated surface structure of earthworm could reduce the friction assistance and soil adhesion. Inspired by earthworm, biomimetic drill stem with corrugated surface is designed and applied in soft stratum drilling. The results show that the biomimetic drill stem could effectively avoid being stuck in soft stratum, and the torque and thrust of the biomimetic drill stem show a considerable decrease. The mechanism of its good anti-sticking ability is addressed, and the effects of wavelength on both torque and thrust are investigated for experimental and industrial optimisation.

Keywords: non-smooth surface; earthworm; anti-sticking; friction; biomimetic drill stem.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2018.090820

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2018 Vol.56 No.3, pp.284 - 294

Accepted: 01 Feb 2017
Published online: 28 Mar 2018 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article