3D Finite Element Simulation for Turning of Hardened 45 Steel

Background: Finite element simulation has become an important method for the mechanism research of metal machining in recent years. Objective: To study the cutting mechanism of hardened 45 steel (45HRC), and improve the processing efficiency and quality. Methods: A 3D oblique finite element model of traditional turning of hardened 45 steel based on ABAQUS was established in this paper. The feasibility of the finite element model was verified by experiment, and the influence of cutting parameters on cutting force was predicted by single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment based on simulation. Finally, the empirical formula of cutting force was fitted by MATLAB. Besides, a lot of patents on 3D finite element simulation for metal machining were studied. Results: The results show that the 3D oblique finite element model can predict three direction cutting force, the 3D chip shape, and other variables of metal machining and the prediction errors of three direction cutting force are 5%, 9.02%, and 8.56%. The results of single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment are in good agreement with similar research, which shows that the model can meet the needs for engineering application. Besides, the empirical formula and the prediction results of cutting force are helpful for the parameters optimization and tool design. Conclusion: A 3D oblique finite element model of traditional turning of hardened 45 steel is established, based on ABAQUS, and the validation is carried out by comparing with experiment.