A Power Spectrum Analysis of Surface Generation in Ultraprecision Machining of Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are well known to be difficult-to-machine materials in ultraprecision machining. To have a better insight into the physical mechanisms involved in the cutting process, a power spectrum analysis is proposed to study the surface generation in ultraprecision machining of aluminiumsilicon carbide MMCs. The results indicate that the power spectrum of a surface roughness profile is correlated well to different process parameters and mechanisms of surface generation. The findings help to formulate the optimum cutting strategy for machining the MMCs.