This paper employs a coupled finite element method and discrete element method(FEM-DEM)to construct a three-dimensional mesoscopic model of a shell cutter cutting reinforced concrete pile foundations.The interaction mechanism between the cutter and the reinforced concrete pile foundation is investigated,and the impact of the shell cutter's structural form on its cutting performance is analyzed.The optimal geometric con-figuration of the shell cutter is proposed.The results indicate that the blade width,blade angle,and blade ante-rior angle significantly affect the cutting performance of the shell cutter.Those parameters should be optimized to avoid being too large or too small.Considering both stress and tangential force,it is recommended that the blade width be maintained between 4mm~5mm,the blade angle between 80° and 90°,and the blade anterior angle less than 55° in general practical engineering applications.Those conclusions can serve as references for optimi-zing the shell cutters selection for future pile cutting.