Study on the contact and cutting edge inclination in course of three-dimensional cutting simulation

Finite element method (FEM) has become an effective means on metal cutting mechanism research, in recent years. But the simplification of the cutting tool and work piece model is immaturity, most FEM cutting model is confined to two-dimensional sharp. Based on simplification of cutting process, the key technology of contact setting for cutting tool and work piece with general finite element analysis software ABAQUS was discussed in the present paper, especially the contact setting of internal elements after the failure of the cut element was emphasized. Through the setting of INP file, reasonable contact setting was achieved finally, meanwhile, through simulating the impact of cutting edge inclination on chip formation and cutting force, the rationality of three-dimensional finite element cutting model was verified. The results from using the model to simulate the impact of cutting edge inclination on chip formation and cutting force was in compliance with the cutting theory and realistic cutting condition. Therefore, the model's rationality was verified.