JOURNAL OF MINING SCIENCE, cilt.41, sa.3, ss.240-260, 2005 (SCI-Expanded)
Circular diamond saw performance is affected by a variety of factors. The principal factors requiring consideration when predicting cutting rates are the type and operating features of a diamond saw and the rock characteristics. The laboratory experimental tests are carried out on three groups of rocks (16 types) cut with the help of three types of diamond disk saws with different feed rates and cutting depths at constant peripheral velocity. The quantitative determinations of a wide range of textural, mechanical, and intact properties of rocks are also made. The relationship between the specific cutting energy SE,, of the sawblade operating parameters and rock properties is established. Applying multivariable linear regression analysis, the predictive model of SEcut is developed based on the rock property data. Models verified by statistical tests prove their practical validity.