Dynamics Diagnostics: Methods, Equipment and Analysis Tools

Abstract

There are two reasons why it is important to diagnose, identify, or analyse the dynamic behaviour of machine tools. Firstly, the many techniques that can be used to optimise the machining process invariably require some model of the structural dynamics. This is especially true for the problem of avoiding unstable chatter vibrations, and for predicting the surface finish. Knowledge of the structure’s natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios can be used to predict the cutting performance (i.e., chatter stability and geometrical accuracy), and to choose optimal values for the spindle speed and depth of cut. Such techniques could be described as pre-process techniques, because the dynamics testing is carried out before the machining process.