Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Coolant Flow in Turning

Application of coolant to the cutting domain is increasingly important in machining titanium alloy, nickel-base superalloy and other difficult-to-machine materials. However, the effect of coolant speed on the accessibility of coolant to the tool tip has not yet been investigated. For this reason, the computational fluid dynamics analysis was applied to the coolant flow in turning where coolant is applied from the side of end flank face to the tool tip. In this study the free surface analysis or two phase computational fluid dynamics analysis of coolant and air was conducted for visualizing the flow of coolant around the tool tip. The capillary force is considered in the analysis because the gap between the tool flank face and machined surface is very small. The volume fraction of liquid obtained in finite volumes showed the accessibility of coolant to the tool tip. It is found to be difficult for coolant to access to the tool tip through a narrow gap between the tool flank face and machined surface when the coolant speed is not high. It is also found that the accessibility of coolant is improved as the speed of coolant is increased. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.