On the Role of Bit Cutter-on-Rock Tribometry to Aid the Drilling Process for New Energy Resources

In this study, techniques for studying the Tribology of rock cutting are being developed using bit cutter-on-rock tribometry (BCORT). Tribo-testing is carried out on a slider pad-on-disk tribometer, retrofitted to include water-jet fabricated rock disks, a variable radius cutter assembly, and a system for the capture of in situ depth of cut. Preliminary findings for BCORT testing of O1 tool steel on Carthage marble are presented, in addition to verification of depth of cut measurements with a scanning white light optical interferometer. The interdependence of interfacial cutting friction, depth of cut rate, and disk speed are discussed in conjunction with experiments.