Flute engagement in peripheral milling

Researchers have typically used a flexible model in an attempt to accuratel y simulate peripheral milling forces. The approach generally described in t he literature divides the model into manageable pieces by modeling a cutter as several disk-like elements in its axial direction and by dividing the t urning cutter into several angular increments. When the forces calculated a t each differential element are integrated, it is important to consider the angle (delta lambda) measured back as the flute engagement wraps up the he lix. Therefore, flute engagement is very influential in determining the mil ling force profile and magnitude, and thus the effects of engaged flute len gth in the milling operation is of interest. In this paper, the concept of flute engagement is presented, and the equations calculating the engaged fl ute length (FL,) are derived. In addition, a method for determining the num ber of engaged flutes caused by the radial and axial depths of out is prese nted. It is felt that the results of this research may provide the basis fo r a machining force model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.