Sensitivity Analysis of Cryogenic Cooling on Machining of Magnesium Alloy AZ31B-O

Abstract

Improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys has gained special focus in recent years, and cryogenic machining has been one of the successfully used techniques. The current study presents a sensitivity analysis of cryogenic cooling effects on process mechanics, when cutting AZ31B-O magnesium alloy. Finite element modelling was used to simulate orthogonal cutting of AZ31B-O under dry and cryogenic conditions, where different parameters (cutting forces, temperatures, shear angle, chip compression ratio and plastic deformation) were investigated. Also, orthogonal cutting tests were performed on a CNC lathe, under dry and cryogenic conditions, where cryogenic cooling was applied to the clearance side using an LN2 jet.