Study of the properties of thirteen tropical wood species to improve the prediction of cutting forces in mode B.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the physical and mechanical characteristics on the behaviour of wood during machining (for cutting process 90-0). In order to work on relatively homogeneous wood species, it was decided to use tropical woods. Different characteristics were measured: Physical (specific gravity, shrinkage) and Mechanical (hardness, fracture toughness, shearing, compression parallel to the grain), These characteristics were assessed separately to cutting forces involved during machining. Results obtained showed good correlations, particularly with very good results for fracture toughness parameters. Then, different formulations, based on statistical analysis, using all parameters, allowed to define a new material coefficient Km to predict the general behaviour of wood during machining and the cutting forces involved more precisely. It appeared clearly that the study of wood characteristics is a good means to improve knowledge on cutting condition optimisation, and to predict quality and efficiency of the cutting process.