Identification of friction coefficient between uncoated carbide tool and Ti-6Al-4V alloy under different lubrication conditions

Abstract

During machining, the friction between the tool and the workpiece (cutting face and flank face) is a significant tribological phenomenon because it strongly influences the cutting operation. Indeed, higher friction leads to an increase of cutting forces, a greater heat generation, a premature tool wear and a surface degradation. This study focuses on tool (WC/Co)/workpiece (Ti-6Al-4V) friction under different cooling conditions (dry, emulsion, cryogenic). Determining the friction coefficient requires numerical simulations to separate the tribological phenomena. For this purpose, several modeling methods are compared (Lagrangian, CEL, and ALE). Experimental tests revealed that the friction coefficient depends not only on the sliding velocity but also on lubrication modes. Specifically, the lowest friction coefficient is obtained under cryogenic condition. Adhesive phenomena on the WC/Co pin are observed in the friction zone, particularly at high sliding velocities.