Simulation of chip formation in orthogonal metal cutting process: an ALE finite element approach

Abstract

Lagrangian and Eulerian finite element formulations have been traditionally used for modeling of the orthogonal metal cutting process. In this paper it is shown that a more general formulation, the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method (ALE), may be used to combine the advantages and avoid the drawbacks of both methods in a single analysis. Due to the characteristics of the cutting process, ALE formulation offers a very efficient modeling approach for the cutting process. A comprehensive ALE model along with strain rate and temperature dependent constitutive equations and a contact/friction algorithm is used to analyze the thermo-elasto-plastic process of plane strain orthogonal cutting. Simulation results for cutting of low carbon free cutting steel are presented and compared with available experimental data obtained under similar cutting conditions. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is observed.