Recently, the research team led by Professor Xiao Yanqiu published a research paper entitled "Kinetic equivalence-based testing and DEM analysis of the muck transfer mechanism in inclined shaft TBM" in the international academic journal Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (CAS Q1 Top Journal, IF = 7.4). Zhengzhou University of Light Industry (ZZULI) is the first affiliated institution, and Professor Xiao Yanqiu is the first author.

Inclined shaft TBMs hold broad application prospects in the development of pumped storage power stations and urban deep underground spaces. Their gravity-driven mucking process can effectively reduce energy consumption. However, under large-inclination working conditions, long-standing bottlenecks, such as low transfer efficiency of irregularly shaped rock muck, poor mucking stability, and severe chute wear, have long constrained engineering advancement. To address these challenges, the team developed a discrete element method (DEM) model for the transfer of irregularly shaped particles in large-inclination inclined shaft TBMs based on the kinetic equivalence criterion, together with a multifunctional mucking test platform, and revealed the interactive coupling mechanism among rotation speed, advance rate, and inclination angle, thereby providing a theoretical reference for muck transfer optimization and wear control of inclined shaft TBMs.

This research was supported by the Henan Province University Science and Technology Innovation Talent Program and other projects.

Journal article link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107721