A Two-Dimensional Transient Thermal Model for Coated Cutting Tools

Prediction of temperature in the tool, chip, and workpiece surface is important to study tool wear, residual stresses in the machined part, and to design cutting tool substrates and coating. This paper presents a finite difference method-based prediction of temperature distribution in the tool, chip, and workpiece surface for transient conditions. The model allows inclusion of anisotropic materials such as coating or different material properties. The energy is created in the primary shear zone where the metal is sheared, the secondary deformation zone where the chip moves on the tool rake face with friction, and the tertiary zone where the flank face of the tool rubs against the finished part surface. The model allows both sticking and sliding friction contact of the moving chip on the rake face of the tool. The distribution of temperature is evaluated by meshing chip, workpiece surface zone, and tool into small discrete elements. The heat transfer among the elements is modeled, and the temperature is predicted at the center of each element. The heat transfer to the tool, workpiece, and chip is iteratively evaluated. The predicted temperature values are compared against the experimental measurements collected with coated tools in turning.