Title: Model for predicting cutting forces in machining CFRP

Authors: Jamal Sheikh-Ahmad, Rahul Yadav

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Petroleum Institute, P.O. Box 2533, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260-0035, USA

Abstract: Cutting forces affect machining quality and part integrity. Delamination is directly related to the cutting forces, and hence predicting and controlling the cutting forces would lead to controlling and preventing delamination. This work utilises the mechanistic modelling approach for predicting cutting forces in the milling process of carbon fibre reinforced composites. Specific energy functions were determined by regression analysis of experimental data and a cutting model was developed. It is shown that the model is capable of predicting cutting forces in milling of both unidirectional and multidirectional laminates. Model predictions were found to be in good agreement with experimental results.

Keywords: carbon fibre reinforced plastic; CFRP composites; machining; milling; fibre orientation; specific cutting pressure; cutting forces; delamination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2008.018978

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2008 Vol.32 No.2/3, pp.152 - 167

Published online: 27 Jun 2008 *

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