Single cutter models constitute a cornerstone to understand the cutting process while drilling. There are various experimental and numerical studies on simulating cutting behavior of a single cutter in order to optimize drilling performance. In this study, the numerical model developed to analyze single PDC cutter performance was verified with the experimental data. Numerous runs with different model properties and rock post failure properties were conducted for the purpose of creating a model that works accurately in different conditions. The data used in this study for model verification was obtained from an experimental study reported in the literature. The study focuses on a single cutter-rock model to understand how axial and rotational loads change under different cutting conditions. The model is composed of a single cutter interacting with the rock specimen and was developed using FLAC 3D , an explicit finite difference program. Back analysis was performed with the reported laboratory experiments and various formation parameters in the model were varied to match the experimental results. iii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my mom, Halide and my dad, Nuri for their unconditional love and spiritual help and for making me who I am today, my brother, Kamil whose help and support were always with me and his dear wife, Esra, and my lovely nephew, Nuri Alp, my source of motivation.