Optimization of cutter geometry for deep milling of stump-containing peat deposit

Denis S. Yusov, Polina V. Ivanova, Sergey L. Ivanov
Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Mining Industry Journal (Gornaya Promyshlennost) №5/ 2026 p. 169-177

Summary: This paper presents an experiment-based justification of rational geometric parameters for cutting elements of machines designed for deep milling of stump-containing peat deposits. A key challenge in this process is the presence of buried wood with the moisture content up to 64%, which causes a multiple increase in the dynamic loads and energy consumption. The study aims at determining an optimal cutter geometry that minimizes the specific cutting work under conditions of blocked cutting of an anisotropic medium. The methodology is based on comparative tests of rectangular, disc-shaped, and mushroomshaped cutters using a pendulum impact tester with the clearance angle varying from 0° to 18°. The kinematic and dynamic similarity between the laboratory setup and full-scale milling drums (MTP-41/44) was ensured, enabling extrapolation of the results using verified scaling coefficients. The results demonstrate that the rectangular cutter yields the lowest specific cutting work (179.15 kJ/m along the grain, 209.00 kJ/m across the grain), outperforming curvilinear counterparts by 7–10%. The optimal parameters were identified, e.g. the clearance angle α = 15°, the cutting angle δ = 60°, the approach angle φ = 75°, and the nose radius of 3 mm. It was shown that transverse fiber orientation increases the energy consumption by 16%, while raising wood moisture content to 64% increases the specific cutting work by a factor of 1.8. The data obtained make it possible to recommend the proposed geometry for the cutting tools of mass-produced peat milling machines, while the developed express assessment methodology enables tool design optimization without costly full-scale field trials.

Keywords: deep peat milling, buried wood, cutter geometry, specific cutting work, blocked cutting, scale modeling

For citation: Yusov Denis S., Ivanova Polina V., Ivanov Sergey L. Optimization of cutter geometry for deep milling of stump-containing peat deposit. Mining Industry Journal (Gornaya Promyshlennost). 2026;(5):169–177. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-5-169-177

Article info

Received: 14.05.2026

Revised: 23.06.2026

Accepted: 30.06.2026

Authors info

Yusov Denis S. – Postgraduate Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; e-mail: den- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ivanova Polina V. – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8338-418X

Ivanov Sergey L. – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Empress Catherine II Saint Peters- burg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7014-2464

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