Shield’s EPB Simulation Device Based on Fluid Power Transmission Principle

This article presents a shield’s earth-pressure-balance (EPB) simulation device based on fluid power transmission principle. The device was developed according to the mathematic model of shield’s EPB system. It is composed of load simulation subsystem and screw-conveyor speed control subsystem. With the regulations of the hydraulic parameters in the subsystems, the device is capable of simulating the situations of earth input and output in cutter chamber, as well as the changes of earth property and shield propulsive velocity. Experimental results proved that the working principle of the device is right, the regulation of hydraulic parameters is convenient, and the enhancement of experiment strength is feasible. Therefore, the experiment research expense on shield's EPB system is reduced and the experiment efficiency is increased. The developed device can provide an economical and effective means for the scheme design and characteristics analysis of shield's EPB system.