Tribology of metal cutting: newly formed underside of chip

Abstract

This investigation provides comprehensive knowledge regarding metal cutting tribology with the purpose of re-examining the role of Oxygen in the process mechanics. Special purpose apparatus and tribological tools were designed and used to conduct experimental cutting tests on pure metals under Oxygen-rich surrounding medium. It was observed that chip curl, sticking and sliding zones are intimately connected with Oxygen concentration. The main research contribution of this study however, is the assessment of friction coefficient as a function of the process parameters, rather than a constant numeric value, resulting from complex phenomena at the contact interface between the cutting tool and the underside of the newly formed chip.