Abstract: In the knowledge-based cutter head design theory of shield tunneling, because of the application of case-based reasoning in the phase for the cutter head topology structure design, a similar case adjusted method based on the basic principles of similarity theory was proposed to obtain a new design scheme. Similarity criterion of topological structure design of cutter head was obtained by dimensional analysis. Then, according to the second law of similar theory, the method which was used in predicting the tunneling performance function of cutter head in continuous time was put forward. Afterwards, similarity judgment conditions and the realization method of similar design were deduced according to the third law. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method was verified depending on an actual construction example.

Key words: dimensional analysis, similarity criteria, topology structure design of cutter head