An Analysis of Symmetrical V-Cutting

Past analyses of symmetrical V-cutting are re-examined. These led to the conclusion that the process could not be explained in terms of a model based on twin shear planes (one at each edge) - instead it was suggested that the process could be analysed in terms of an “overall” shear plane which did not contain the cutting edges! It is shown here that insufficient regard has been paid to the “interaction” between the chip elements originating at each of the cutting edges and this had led to conceptual inconsistencies. Taking into account the consequencies of this interaction, an explanation of symmetrical V-cutting based on a twin shear plane model is offered. Deductions from the model are shown to be consistent with observation.