Optimization of the number and positions of fixture locators in the peripheral milling of a low-rigidity workpiece

In this paper, a method is proposed to optimize the fixture layout in the peripheral milling of a low-rigidity workpiece. Because the locators on the secondary locating surface directly influence the deformation of the workpiece in peripheral milling, this paper deals with the optimization of the number and positions of the locators on the secondary locating surface. The method proposed in this paper includes two stages. In the first stage, the initial number and positions of the locators are determined by adding the locators at the position with the maximum deformation. In the second stage, the number and positions of the locators are optimized. Using the method proposed in this paper, the number of locators is reduced, while the machining accuracy of the workpiece is retained.     

薄壁件变参数铣削系统动态特性的研究

提出一种薄壁件变参数铣削系统动态特性分析方法。考虑铣削过程中的自激振动和强迫振动,建立了薄壁件变参数(模态质量、模态阻尼和模态刚度)铣削系统周期延迟微分方程,借助有限单元法和最小二乘法,获得加工过程中工件系统固有频率和模态质量随刀具位置的连续变化曲线。研究结果显示,薄壁件加工过程中,材料切除对系统动态特性有重要影响。实际加工时,应采取相应措施避免剧烈振动的发生。     

INFLUENCE OF MATERIAL REMOVAL ON THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES IN PERIPHERAL MILLING

Machining is a material removal process that alters the dynamic properties during machining operations. The peripheral milling of a thin-walled structure generates vibration of the workpiece and this influences the quality of the machined surface. A reduction of tool life and spindle life can also be experienced when machining is subjected to vibration. In this paper, the linearized stability lobes theory allows us to determine critical and optimal cutting conditions for which vibration is not apparent in the milling of thin-walled workpieces. The evolution of the mechanical parameters of the cutting tool, machine tool and workpiece during the milling operation are not taken into account. The critical and optimal cutting conditions depend on dynamic properties of the workpiece. It is illustrated how the stability lobes theory is used to evaluate the variation of the dynamic properties of the thin-walled workpiece. We use both modal measurement and finite element method to establish a 3D representation of stability lobes. The 3D representation allows us to identify spindle speed values at which the variation of spindle speed is initiated to improve the surface finish of the workpiece.     

INFLUENCE OF MATERIAL REMOVAL ON THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES IN PERIPHERAL MILLING

Machining is a material removal process that alters the dynamic properties during machining operations. The peripheral milling of a thin-walled structure generates vibration of the workpiece and this influences the quality of the machined surface. A reduction of tool life and spindle life can also be experienced when machining is subjected to vibration. In this paper, the linearized stability lobes theory allows us to determine critical and optimal cutting conditions for which vibration is not apparent in the milling of thin-walled workpieces. The evolution of the mechanical parameters of the cutting tool, machine tool and workpiece during the milling operation are not taken into account. The critical and optimal cutting conditions depend on dynamic properties of the workpiece. It is illustrated how the stability lobes theory is used to evaluate the variation of the dynamic properties of the thin-walled workpiece. We use both modal measurement and finite element method to establish a 3D representation of stability lobes. The 3D representation allows us to identify spindle speed values at which the variation of spindle speed is initiated to improve the surface finish of the workpiece.     

Prediction of simultaneous dynamic stability limit of time�Cvariable parameters system in thin-walled workpiece high-speed milling processes

A method for predicting simultaneous dynamic stability limit of thin-walled workpiece high-speed milling process is described. The proposed approach takes into account the variations of dynamic characteristics of workpiece with the tool position. A dedicated thin-walled workpiece representative of a typical industrial application is designed and modeled by finite element method. The curvilinear equation of modal characteristics changing with tool position is regressed. A specific dynamic stability lobe diagram is then elaborated by scanning the dynamic properties of workpiece along the machined direction throughout the machining process. The results show that, during thin-walled workpiece milling process, material removing plays an important part on the change of dynamic characteristics of system, and the stability limit curves are dynamic curves with time?Cvariable. In practical machining, some suggestion is interpreted in order to avoid the vibrations and increase the chatter free material removal rate and surface finish. Then investigations are compared and verified by high-speed milling experiments with thin-walled workpiece.     

薄壁结构件铣削参数有限元正交优势分析及优化

大型整体薄壁结构件在航空、航天工业中得到了广泛应用。但由于其刚性差,在铣削加工过程中常常出现铣削力过大而引起较大的变形,严重影响工件的加工质量和精度。针对上述问题,提出一种有限元正交优势分析方法,用以优化铣削参数,减小铣削产生的零件变形。该方法采用正交试验设计规划指导有限元铣削加工变形分析的参数方案设计,通过不同方案的计算结果研究分析铣削速度、铣削深度、铣削宽度、每齿进给量对加工变形的影响,得到各铣削要素选择的较好水平;采用优势分析方法对正交试验结果进行处理,得到各铣削要素对加工变形的贡献率,从而确定优化的铣削加工方案。以某薄壁框类零件为例得到了铣削参数的优化组合,经过验证,优化后的试验方案减少了铣削产生的最大变形量,证明了该方法的可行性及有效性。     

Three-dimensional process stability prediction of thin-walled workpiece in milling operation

High-speed machining of thin-walled workpiece is widely used in aerospace industry. To optimize the machining parameters in milling operations, the related process stability is required to be predicted. Compared to the existing two-dimensional (2D) milling stability model, a more completed three-dimensional (3D) regenerative process stability prediction model of thin-walled workpiece is presented based on the newly developed dynamic model. The efficiency and accuracy of the regenerative milling stability can be improved in the presented 3D model. The analysis procedure of the stability of flexible dynamic milling is developed in details. The 3D stability lobes are calculated according to the full discretization method and direct integration scheme. To verify the accuracy of presented 3D stability model, the thin-walled workpiece milling sound pressure signal and surface quality are determined in experiments.     

Investigation on chatter stability of thin-walled parts considering its flexibility based on finite element analysis

High-speed milling of thin-walled part is a widely used application for aerospace industry. The low rigidity components, large quantities of material removed in machining progress, are in the risk of the instability of the progress. In this paper, the thin-walled parts have the similar characteristics with the tools. Therefore, the dynamic model and the stability critical condition determined by the relative dynamic behavior between tool subsystem and workpiece subsystem are put forward. The thin-walled parts’ dynamic character varies greatly with time when machining. The whole workpiece has been divided into several stages by finite element analysis (FEA) so that its various modal parameters in the milling progress can be obtained gradually; thus, the variation due to metal removal has been accurately taken into account. The stability critical condition is predicted by frequency domain method based on the dynamic behavior of the two subsystems. With the respect to time-varying critical stability condition, a three-dimensional lobe diagram has been developed to show the changing conditions of chatter. Finally, the proposed methods and models were proven by series milling experiments.     

Redesigned Surface Based Machining Strategy and Method in Peripheral Milling of Thin-walled Parts

Currently, simultaneously ensuring the machining accuracy and efficiency of thin-walled structures especially high performance parts still remains a challenge. Existing compensating methods are mainly focusing on 3-aixs machining, which sometimes only take one given point as the compensative point at each given cutter location. This paper presents a redesigned surface based machining strategy for peripheral milling of thin-walled parts. Based on an improved cutting force/heat model and finite element method(FEM) simulation environment, a deflection error prediction model, which takes sequence of cutter contact lines as compensation targets, is established. And an iterative algorithm is presented to determine feasible cutter axis positions. The final redesigned surface is subsequently generated by skinning all discrete cutter axis vectors after compensating by using the proposed algorithm. The proposed machining strategy incorporates the thermo-mechanical coupled effect in deflection prediction, and is also validated with flank milling experiment by using five-axis machine tool. At the same time, the deformation error is detected by using three-coordinate measuring machine. Error prediction values and experimental results indicate that they have a good consistency and the proposed approach is able to significantly reduce the dimension error under the same machining conditions compared with conventional methods. The proposed machining strategy has potential in high-efficiency precision machining of thin-walled parts.     

SIMULATION CONCEPT FOR PREDICTING WORKPIECE VIBRATIONS IN FIVE-AXIS MILLING

The characteristic discontinuous cut of the milling process influences the whole machining process by an increased susceptibility to vibrations of the machine-tool-workpiece system. This can result in undesirable effects on the workpiece surface or in a shorter lifetime of the tool and the spindle. Especially with regard to the machining of thin-walled components, such as turbine blades and thin profiles, the dynamic behavior of the workpiece is of particular interest. In this paper a simulation concept for predicting regenerative workpiece vibrations during the five-axis milling process is presented. This concept combines an accurate and fast simulation of the five-axis machining process including material removal and force calculation with an implemented finite element model for computing workpiece displacements. The simulation results are compared with data from experiments, which were conducted using a milling tool with high stiffness in order to minimize the influence of the milling tool dynamics.     

Milling Force Model for Aviation Aluminum Alloy:Academic Insight and Perspective Analysis

Aluminum alloy is the main structural material of aircraft,launch vehicle,spaceship,and space station and is pro-cessed by milling.However,tool wear and vibration are the bottlenecks in the milling process of aviation aluminum alloy.The machining accuracy and surface quality of aluminum alloy milling depend on the cutting parameters,material mechanical properties,machine tools,and other parameters.In particular,milling force is the crucial factor to determine material removal and workpiece surface integrity.However,establishing the prediction model of milling force is important and difficult because milling force is the result of multiparameter coupling of process system.The research progress of cutting force model is reviewed from three modeling methods:empirical model,finite element simulation,and instantaneous milling force model.The problems of cutting force modeling are also determined.In view of these problems,the future work direction is proposed in the following four aspects:(1)high-speed milling is adopted for the thin-walled structure of large aviation with large cutting depth,which easily produces high residual stress.The residual stress should be analyzed under this particular condition.(2)Multiple factors(e.g.,eccentric swing milling parameters,lubrication conditions,tools,tool and workpiece deformation,and size effect)should be consid-ered comprehensively when modeling instantaneous milling forces,especially for micro milling and complex surface machining.(3)The database of milling force model,including the corresponding workpiece materials,working condi-tion,cutting tools(geometric figures and coatings),and other parameters,should be established.(4)The effect of chatter on the prediction accuracy of milling force cannot be ignored in thin-walled workpiece milling.(5)The cutting force of aviation aluminum alloy milling under the condition of minimum quantity lubrication(mql)and nanofluid mql should be predicted.     

实时振动数据驱动的薄壁件平铣工艺参数自适应优化

为减小加工振动对薄壁件平铣(端面盘铣)加工质量及效率的影响,提出一种实时铣削振动数据驱动的平铣工艺参数自适应优化方法。首先根据再生效应原理建立薄壁件平铣颤振稳定性模型。其次将薄壁件平铣过程中前一个工步内的实测振动数据分为若干段,以此模拟其材料去除过程,对各段铣削振动数据进行分析,由有限元单位力法和优化STD法分别识别出薄壁件刚度和各材料去除阶段模态频率及阻尼比,并由此导出薄壁件单模态频响函数,将其代入颤振稳定性模型求解稳定域叶瓣图并做插值处理后即可确定包含材料去除信息的薄壁件三维颤振稳定域叶瓣图。基于此,以避免铣削颤振、共振和满足机床性能要求为约束条件,以材料去除率最大为目标,利用遗传算法计算薄壁件下一个工步较优的工艺参数,如此循环进行,直到完成薄壁件加工。最后,通过某型飞机垂尾薄壁装配界面平铣试验验证该方法的可行性和有效性。由试验结果可看出,采用优化后的加工工艺参数,能使薄壁装配界面粗加工过程表面粗糙度从Ra 3.2提升为Ra 1.6,加工效率提高33%。     

Development of a finite element analysis tool for fixture design integrity verification and optimisation

Machining fixtures are used to locate and constrain a workpiece during a machining operation. To ensure that the workpiece is manufactured according to specified dimensions and tolerances, it must be appropriately located and clamped. Minimising workpiece and fixture tooling deflections due to clamping and cutting forces in machining is critical to machining accuracy. An ideal fixture design maximises locating accuracy and workpiece stability, while minimising displacements.The purpose of this research is to develop a method for modelling workpiece boundary conditions and applied loads during a machining process, analyse modular fixture tool contact area deformation and optimise support locations, using finite element analysis (FEA). The workpiece boundary conditions are defined by locators and clamps. The locators are placed in a 3-2-1 fixture configuration, constraining all degrees of freedom of the workpiece and are modelled using linear spring-gap elements. The clamps are modelled as point loads. The workpiece is loaded to model cutting forces during drilling and milling machining operations. Fixture design integrity is verified. ANSYS parametric design language code is used to develop an algorithm to automatically optimise fixture support and clamp locations, and clamping forces, to minimise workpiece deformation, subsequently increasing machining accuracy. By implementing FEA in a computer-aided-fixture-design environment, unnecessary and uneconomical “trial and error” experimentation on the shop floor is eliminated.     

Workpiece locating error prediction and compensation in fixtures

In machining process, fixture is used to keep the position and orientation of a workpiece with respect to machine tool frame. However, the workpiece always cannot be at its ideal position because of the setup error and geometric inaccuracy of the locators, clamping force, cutting force, and so on. It is necessary to predict and control the workpiece locating error which will result in machining error of parts. This paper presents a prediction model of a workpiece locating error caused by the setup error and geometric inaccuracy of locaters for the fixtures with one locating surface and two locating pins. Error parameters along 6 degrees of freedom can be calculated by the proposed model and then compensated by either using the “frame transformation” function of a numerical control (NC) system or modifying NC codes in post-processing. In addition, machining error caused by the workpiece locating error can be predicted based on a multi-body system and homogeneous transfer matrix. This is meaningful to fixture design and machining process planning. Finally, a cutting test has shown that the proposed method is practicable and effective.     

Error Compensation of Thin Plate-shape Part with Prebending Method in Face Milling

Low weight and good toughness thin plate parts are widely used in modern industry, but its flexibility seriously impacts the machinability. Plenty of studies focus on the influence of machine tool and cutting tool on the machining errors. However, few researches focus on compensating machining errors through the fixture. In order to improve the machining accuracy of thin plate-shape part in face milling, this paper presents a novel method for compensating the surface errors by prebending the workpiece during the milling process. First, a machining error prediction model using finite element method is formulated, which simplifies the contacts between the workpiece and fixture with spring constraints. Milling forces calculated by the micro-unit cutting force model are loaded on the error prediction model to predict the machining error. The error prediction results are substituted into the given formulas to obtain the prebending clamping forces and clamping positions. Consequently, the workpiece is prebent in terms of the calculated clamping forces and positions during the face milling operation to reduce the machining error. Finally, simulation and experimental tests are carried out to validate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed error compensation method. The experimental measured flatness results show that the flatness improves by approximately 30 percent through this error compensation method. The proposed method not only predicts the machining errors in face milling thin plate-shape parts but also reduces the machining errors by taking full advantage of the workpiece prebending caused by fixture, meanwhile, it provides a novel idea and theoretical basis for reducing milling errors and improving the milling accuracy.     

三维有限元分析在高速铣削温度研究中应用

高速切削过程中切削温度对刀具磨损、工件加工表面完整性及加工精度有极大的影响。应用有限元法对高速铣削铝合金薄壁件过程中工件与刀具接触面温度、工件内部的温度分布进行了仿真研究,仿真过程中考虑了切削速度、进给量对切削温度的影响。通过红外热像仪对不同主轴转速下工件表面温度的测量,验证了仿真结果与试验结果比较接近。得出在高速切削铝合金过程中,随着切削速度的增加,刀具与工件接触区的温度变化存在二次效应。该结论对铝合金薄壁件加工具有重要的实用价值。     

一种过定位下工件定位误差的计算

提出了计算“4-2-1”过定位下工件定位误差的方法,考虑了两个条件：一是定位件与工件不发生干涉,二是保证工件放置的稳定性。根据以上两个条件,把“4-2-1”过定位下工件定位误差的计算分为五个具体的步骤,最后举例说明了本方法的实用性。     

薄壁零件加工变形分析及控制方案

介绍了有限元在分析薄壁件铣削加工变形中的应用，并提出一种数控补偿方法来减少让刀误差，从而控制薄壁件的加工精度。通过分析和实验建立切削力模型，运用ANSYS有限元分析软件对典型薄壁框体零件的加工变形进行了分析计算，结果与实际加工情况相符。根据有限元分析结果，提出在精加工时，在数控编程时让刀具在原有走刀轨迹中按变形程度附加一个偏摆，补偿因变形而产生的让刀量，可基本消除让刀误差。     

薄壁工件铣削加工变形的预测

以铣削力模型和ABAQUS有限元分析软件为基础,采用考虑了刀具/工件变形耦合效应、材料去除效应以及工件变形引起铣削力加载点变化等因素的仿真预测方法,建立了薄壁工件加工变形预测的有限元分析模型,并对航空钛合金框体工件进行了铣削加工变形预测及试验验证,仿真结果与试验数据吻合较好。     

基于花授粉算法的曲面薄壁件定位布局优化

优化定位布局是减小薄壁件装夹变形的重要手段,现有研究大多以节点法向变形最小为优化目标而忽略其他方向上的变形,为此提出了一种新的基于花授粉算法的夹具布局优化方法。针对曲面薄壁件,在建立法向约束定位模型的基础上,通过应变能来描述所有方向上的变形,以薄壁件的整体应变能最小为目标,结合花授粉算法和基于Python语言的参数化有限元分析,实现薄壁件的定位布局寻优。最后以飞机蒙皮定位布局优化为例验证方法的有效性,并通过与遗传算法的对比表明,花授粉算法在优化薄壁件的定位布局时具有更优的性能。