High-speed cryogenic machining of the carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites: Finite element analysis and simulation

In this paper, a new approach for evaluating the cryogenic machining process of the carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum matrix composites is developed based on finite element method. Finite element modeling in commercial code ABAQUS/Explicit was used to simulate high-speed machining of carbon nanotube reinforced composites under dry and cryogenic conditions, where different parameters (carbon nanotubes loading and the cutting speed) were investigated. The matrix phases are given a Johnson-Cook failure criterion. For considering more realistic assumptions, mechanical and thermal properties of the materials are assumed as a function of temperature. Results shown that at the cutting velocity of 60m/s, cryogenic cooling has caused decrease of workpiece plastic strain by 12% in comparison with the dry cooling. The model can be used to study the effect of weight fraction, orientation, and length of the carbon nanotubes on the manufacturing of the nanocomposites.