Finite element simulation and experimental validation of the effect of tool wear on cutting forces in turning operation

Abstract Machining is the most widely used process in manufacturing, and tool wear plays a significant role in machining efficiency and effectiveness. There is a continuous requirement to manufacture high-quality products at a lower cost. Many past researches show that variations in tool geometry affect the cutting forces significantly. The increase in cutting forces leads to excessive vibrations in the system, giving a poor surface finish to the machined product. In this work, a 2D coupled thermo-mechanical model is developed using Abaqus/Explicit to predict the cutting forces during turning of mild steel. Johnson–Cook material model along with damage model has been used to define the material behavior. Coulomb’s friction model is considered for defining the interaction between the tool and the work piece. Metal cutting process is simulated for different sets of cutting conditions and compared with experimental results. The finite element method results correlate well with the experimental results.