Fast prediction of chatter stability lobe diagram for milling process using frequency response function or modal parameters

Prediction of chatter stability is important for planning and optimization of machining process in order to improve machining efficiency and reduce machining damage. Based on the classical analytical solution of chatter stability for milling process and in-depth analysis of the impact of modal parameters on the stability lobe diagram, a straight forward procedure for fast predicting stability lobe diagram directly using modal parameters of machining system was put forward. In consideration of the fact that the modal parameters of milling system can be estimated directly from the frequency response function using single DOF modal parameter estimation method, stability lobe diagram can be plotted directly using the tool tip’s frequency response function. The machining performances of a machining center with three different cutting tools were evaluated and the corresponding optimized cutting conditions were determined. The correctness of the proposed method was validated by good agreement of the predicted stability lobe diagram with that using the classical analytical method, and simulation results show that its calculation speed had been improved by 2–3 orders of magnitude. As a result, the proposed method of plotting stability lobe diagram using frequency response function can be utilized as an effective tool to select chatter-free cutting conditions in shop floor applications.