Analytical model for predicting tool wear in orthogonal machining of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)

Abstract

Progressive tool wear due to abrasive carbon fibres is one of the main issues in machining of CFRP and responsible for the short tool life. Because of occurring wear during machining, the tool’s micro-geometry changes continuously resulting in higher process forces and an increasing risk for workpiece damages. In this paper, a novel analytical model is presented in order to predict the wear-related change of the micro-geometry in orthogonal machining of CFRP depending on the fibre orientation and the initial tool geometry. For this purpose, a concept called the wear rate distribution is introduced which represents a measure to quantify the wear rate along the active micro-geometry. Based on experimental investigation, it is shown that the shape of an arbitrary wear rate distribution between two closely spaced wear states can be approximated and parameterised with a “line - curve - line” approach. Using the authors’ previously published analytical force model, the wear rate distribution can be calculated as function of five wear parameters that are used to parameterise the active micro-geometry of an arbitrary wear state. Based on an iterative solver, this is used to simulate the tool wear progression during machining. For model validation, the simulation is compared to experimental data in terms of the cutting edge profiles, the amount of worn tool material and the process forces. Accordingly, the wear model is capable to reproduce the most important wear characteristics, e.g. the cutting edge rounding, the decreasing clearance angle and the increasing contact length at the flank face.