Title: Evaluation of drilling process in Ti6Al4V using 3D FE simulation

Authors: Ozden Isbilir; Elaheh Ghassemieh

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Sheffield, Sir Fredrick Mappin Building, Mappin street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Sheffield, Sir Fredrick Mappin Building, Mappin street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK

Abstract: Drilling of Ti6Al4V is investigated experimentally and numerically. A 3D finite element model developed based on Lagrangian approach using commercial finite element software ABAQUS/explicit. 3D complex drill geometry is included in the model. The drilling process simulations are performed at the combinations of three cutting speeds and four feed rates. The effects of cutting parameters on the induced thrust force and torque are predicted by the developed model. For validation purpose, experimental trials have been performed in similar condition to the simulations. The forces and torques measured during experiment are compared to the results of the finite element analysis. The agreement of the experimental results for force and torque values with the FE results is very good. Moreover, surface roughness of the holes was measured for mapping of machining.

Keywords: 3D FEM; finite element method; 3D modelling; drilling; titanium alloys; cutting force; torque; drill geometry; process simulation; cutting speed; feedrate; hole surface roughness; surface quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2013.053221

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2013 Vol.13 No.2/3, pp.174 - 190

Published online: 26 Dec 2013 *

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