Cutting Force Prediction Model for Elliptical Vibration Cutting SiCp/Al Based on Three-Phase Friction Theory

The friction behavior in the tool-chip interface is an essential issue in aluminum matrix composite material (AMCM) turning operations. Compared with conventional cutting, the elliptical vibration (EVC) cutting AMCM has attractive advantages, such as low friction, small cutting forces, etc. However, the friction mechanism of the EVC cutting AMCM is still inadequate, especially the model for cutting forces analyzing and predicting, which hinders the application of EVC in the processing of AMCM. In this paper, a cutting force prediction model for EVC cutting SiCp/Al is established, which is based on the three-phase friction (TPF) theory. The friction components are evaluated and predicted at the tool-chip interface (TCI), tool-particle interface (TPI) and tool-matrix (TMI), respectively. In addition, the tool-chip contact length and SiC particle volume fraction were defined strictly and the coefficient of friction was predicted. Based on the Johnson-Cook constitutive model, the experiment was conducted on SiCp/Al. The cutting speed and tool-chip contact length were used as input parameters of the friction model, and the dynamic changes of cutting force and stress distribution were analyzed. The results shown that when cutting speed reaches 574 m/min, the tool-chip contact length decreases to 0.378 mm. When the cutting speed exceeds 658 m/min, the cutting force decreases to a minimum of 214.9 N and remains stable. In addition, compared with conventional cutting, the proposed prediction model can effectively reduce the cutting force.