Papers by Author: Andreas Zabel

Abstract: The use of short process chains for the realization of complex and high performance components is a reasonable approach to achieve sustainable products and to reduce energy consumption. In the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TR TRR30 which is supported by the German Research Foundation DFG this approach is investigated applying thermo-mechanically forming processes. In this way, combining hot metal forming and heat treatment steps in a single process, tailored materials properties together with appropriate geometries are achieved [1, 2] . However, still additional machining operations, e. g. turning operations in case of shafts, are needed to achieve proper workpiece finish. Due to locally varying mechanical properties, undesired changings of the process conditions occur, leading to varying surface and subsurface properties, e.g. the residual stress state. It is well known that residual stresses have a major impact on the components properties during service [3]. In this paper, a survey is given about near surface residual stress states after exterior dry turning of differently heat treated cylindrical workpieces made of steel AISI 6150.

Abstract: The composition of different materials and their specific properties like tensile strength and toughness is one way to achieve workpiece characteristics which are tailored to the later application. Another approach is the subsequent local heat treatment of workpieces made of homogeneous materials. However, both ways are costly and go along with several subsequent process steps. Therefore, mono-material workpieces which were manufactured by thermo-mechanical forming processes may provide such tailored properties in the form of functional gradations. Furthermore, the process chain is shortened by the combination of forming and heat treatment, but nevertheless machining processes are still needed for proper workpiece finish. This puts the challenge of varying process conditions due to hardness alterations within a single process step, e.g. turning. In addition to experimental investigations simulative analysis techniques are desired to evaluate mechanical as well as thermal loads on tool and workpiece. In the case of FE-based microscopic chip formation simulations proper material behaviour needs to be determined with respect to material hardness. This paper describes the approach of fitting Johnson-Cook material parameters as a function of workpiece material hardness. In order to achieve realistic stress states within the process zone, this approach considers the yield strength as a linear function of the hardness. It is shown how the hardness influences the cutting conditions and how the Johnson-Cook parameters are identified. Then these parameters are validated in three-dimensional simulations of exterior dry turning by comparison of simulated process forces and chip formation to experimentally achieved ones.

Abstract: In most cases the simulation of temperature distributions in machined workpieces is carried out by moving a heat source along a predefined workpiece model within a commercial FEM-system. For performance reasons, the material removal is often neglected or performed by removing small predefined parts of the workpiece. Furthermore, the heat source often has a constant heat flux and therefore it is not dependent on the current tool engagement. In this paper we present a voxel-based finite difference method for the thermal behavior of the process-state dependent workpiece, which is integrated into the milling simulation system NCChip, developed at the ISF. This simulation is capable of modeling the cutting forces along any arbitrary NC-path. Since the tool rotation and the cutting edges in this time domain simulation are divided into discrete angle steps and cutting wedges respectively, the thermal energy that is applied to the workpiece at each time step and at each cutting wedge can be computed as a fraction of the corresponding cutting work. In this way, the correct heat is introduced to the workpiece exactly at the current contact zone of the tool.

Abstract: Lightweight extrusion profiles with reinforcement elements are promising news in the domain of lightweight construction. The machining of them suffers from several problems: Aside from the question of choosing a suitable tool, feed rate, and milling strategy, an excessive rise in temperature could lead to stress and even a distortion due to the differing thermal expansion of the reinforcement material and the surrounding matrix material. A simulation of the milling process could, in addition to force and collision calculations, recognize this case before manufacturing. For certain milling applications like seal surfaces, a certain roughness of the manufactured surface is necessary. In many other cases, a smooth surface of very high quality is desirable. Available simulation systems usually completely lack the simulation of dynamic effects, which have a great effect on the final surface quality, and therefore are not able to predict the resulting surface quality. In this paper simulation methods are presented that are capable of simulating the dynamic behavior of the tool in the milling process and the resulting flank and ground surface structures. Additionally, a fast temperature simulation for heterogeneous workpieces with reinforcement elements, which is based on the finite difference method and cellular automata, is introduced.

Abstract: Lightweight frame components made of aluminum and load optimized connecting elements allow the reduction of weight and energy consumption as well as the increase of payload. Complex frame structures which nowadays can be designed and optimized with the help of modern simulation technologies require the use of adapted manufacturing technologies. Especially the flexible machining of single or limited products on the basis of common machining strategies is still inefficient and economically unacceptable. This article describes the development of adequate strategies for a high quality machining using simultaneous five-axis milling. Consequently, the machining of composite extruded aluminum profiles with continuously embedded steel-wire elements and the preparation of joining areas on nodes and commonly extruded profiles for innovative joining by forming processes have been analyzed.