Finite element analysis of the rake angle effects in orthogonal metal cutting

Abstract The plane-strain finite element method is developed and applied to model the orthogonal metal cutting of annealed low carbon steel with continuous chip formation. Four sets of simulation results for cutting with −2°, 0°, 5°, and 15° rake angle are summarized and compared to analyze the effects of rake angle in the cutting processes. The initial and deformed finite element meshes, as the cutting reaches steady-state condition, are first presented. Simulation results of the cutting forces and residual stresses, along with the X-ray diffraction measurements of the residual stresses generated using a worn cutting tool with 5° rake angle, are used to identify the influences of the rake angle and tool sharpness. Elements are selected to represent three sections along the shear and contact zones and under the cut surface. The normal and shear stresses, distributions of parameters along these three sections, and contours of temperature, plastic strain, and effective stress are then presented. Limitations of the finite element method for metal cutting simulation are discussed.