A Hybrid Modeling Approach for Characterization and Simulation of Cryogenic Machining of Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Abstract

A hybrid modeling approach based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element method (FEM) is presented to simulate and study cryogenic machining (CM) of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. CFD analysis was carried out to study the characteristics of the fluid flow and heat transfer process of liquid nitrogen (LN2) jet used as a coolant in turning operation. The velocity, turbulence, gas volume fraction, and temperature of the impingement jet were investigated. Based on the analysis results, the coefficient of heat transfer (CHT) between the LN2 and cutting tool/insert was obtained and used in the FEM analysis to model the heat transfer process between the LN2 and the tool/chip/workpiece. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate a real CM operation. CM tests were carried out to validate the 3D FE model by comparing cutting forces and chip temperature. To evaluate LN2 cooling effect on tool temperature and tool wear, a two-dimensional (2D) FE model was developed for steady-state thermal analysis of cryogenic and dry machining. Based on the predicted temperatures, the tool wear was estimated, showing that LN2 cooling can significantly improve tool life.