A finite element assessment of chip formation mechanisms in the machining of CFRP laminates with different fibre orientations

F. Cepero-Mejías, V. A. Phadnis, K. Kerrigan, J. L. Curiel-Sosa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The virtual assessment of a composite machining process using finite element (FE) models constitutes a cost-effective solution to study the surface quality of machined parts. Thus, the correct simulation of the chip fracture becomes essential to obtain consistent numerical results. This work develops an original FE approach to emulate the chip formation in the machining of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Composite damage initiation modes are evaluated via hybrid Puck-Hashin composite failure criteria. Subsequently, mechanical properties of the damaged elements are linearly degraded. Finally, a novel strain-based element deletion criterion is applied to reliably simulate the chip release process. Five different cutting configurations are successfully modelled. The influence of relevant fibre orientations and cutter rake angles on chip formation are analysed in detail. The shape of the simulated chips reaches a high similarity with the chips obtained in relevant experimental trials presented in the literature. Useful insights about the modelling of sub-surface damage in composite machining are also produced in this investigation. For instance, the modelling of the fibre bending damage which take place in the machining of 90° laminates is modelled with great precision.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113966
Number of pages13
JournalComposite Structures
Volume268
Early online date14 Apr 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jul 2021
Externally publishedYes

Funder

This paper is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with the grant EP/L016257/1.

Keywords

  • Machining
  • Chip formation
  • Finite element
  • Modelling
  • Orthogonal cutting
  • Composite

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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