Research on chip formation mechanism and surface morphology of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites

In this paper, a finite element (FE) cutting model for particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) considering material damage was developed to predict SiC particle failure, cutting forces, and machined surface topography in SiCp/Al composite machining, and to analyze the dynamic mechanisms of chip formation and particle failure evolution. The validity of the simulation model was verified by comparing the simulation results with the cutting forces and surface topography obtained from the milling machining experiments. It was found that complex stress-strain fields exist in SiCp/Al composites with mesoscopic non-homogeneous structures, and alternating reticulation of tensile and compressive stress between particles was observed; particle failure due to tool-workpiece interaction exists in both direct and indirect ways; particle failure and local chip deformation during machining affect surface topography and chip shaping, resulting in serrated chips, pitting on the machined surface, and residual particle fragments.