Numerical analysis of temperature distribution of cold cylindrical metal subjected to machining

Abstract

The paper presents a model based on the fact that some materials (alloys and metal precisely) have some temperature ranges at which the nature and microstructure of the material changes affect the mechanical properties of the materials. The model provides a mathematical relation between the temperature of the material at a specific time and the speed of rotation of the material if it was to be turned in a turning operation. The work is based on the theories of complex applied potential, heat conduction equation, the kinetic energy equation, and heat energy equation. The results obtained show that damages and de-struction can be caused to the microstructure of the mate-rial if the speed of cut is not controlled due to lack of knowledge of the specific heat capacity of the material. The model can be used to check the extent of damage done on the material. The model is limited to a steady heat con-duction process, a material that is homogeneous, and a turning operation where there is no wobbling occurring. The model may not apply to engineering materials with heterogeneous microstructure, and a machining process that does not involve the rotation of the work piece. How-ever, the model would assist metallurgists, machine opera-tors, and design/manufacturing engineers in producing products with unaltered mechanical properties. The work is a new mathematical relation that provides an additional information for manufacturing industries on how to avert alteration or changes in the mechanical properties of mate-rials that are being turned down and in similar operations.