PFC2D software was used to establish the discrete element model of the pick to cut rock.By changing the cutting angle and cutting depth,the rock particle cracks,the load of the pick and the comprehensive cutting performance of the pick were analyzed.The results show that the larger the cutting angle,the more obvious the shearing effect on the rock,and the more cracks are generated.But the contact failure of particles in the depth of the rock is less,which is not conducive to the expansion of cracks.With the increase of cutting depth,the portion of rock involved in cutting increases and the number of cracks increases.As the cutting angle decreases and the cutting depth increases,both the tangential force and normal force are increased.When the cutting angle is 52° and the cutting depth is 3 mm,the overall cutting performance of the pick is the best.The effects of simulation model parameters,such as the friction coefficient between particles and the elastic modulus of the particles,on the simulation results were discussed.The results show that with the increase of friction coefficient and elastic modulus,the obtained cutting force also increases,and the effects of the friction coefficient and elastic modulus on the cutting force are 048 and 037,respectively.The research results provide a reference for the design of the cutting tool and the mining machinery cutting system and the optimization of the cutting process.