A threedimensional simulation model of soil cutting by shield cutter is established by means of ALE algorithm, linear DruckerPrager constitutive model and shear failure criterion with mesh deletion function based on ABAQUS software. The soil flow state and cutting force under different cutting parameters are studied. The study results show that: 1) The cutting force varies a little with the cutting depth varies; and the soil separating rate decreases with the cutting depth increases. 2) The cutting force increases and the soil flowability decreases with the cutter width increases. 3) The soil flowability decreases with the front angle increases.