R. Komanduri et al., Some aspects of machining with negative-rake tools simulating grinding: a molecular dynamics simulation approach, PHIL MAG B, 79(7), 1999, pp. 955-968
Ultraprecision grinding, like ultraprecision machining, involves removal of
material (or cut depths) of the order of a few nanometres or less. Consequ
ently, the material removal by this process is denoted as nanometric cuttin
g. In this paper, the results of the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation stu
dies conducted over a wide range of negative-rake-angle tools to simulate g
rinding are presented. The variations in the cutting forces, specific energ
y (energy required for removal of unit volume of work material), nature of
subsurface deformation and size effect with rake angle were investigated by
comparing the MD simulation results with the experimental results publishe
d in the literature. An increase in the magnitudes of forces, the ratio of
the thrust to the cutting force, the specific energy and the sub-surface de
formation were observed with increase in the negative rake. The specific en
ergy in nanometric cutting was found to be nearly an order of magnitude lar
ger than in conventional cutting, strongly indicating a size effect that is
commonly observed when the specimen size under consideration has submicrom
etre to nanometre dimensions.