Chatter stability prediction in four-axis milling of aero-engine casings with bull-nose end mill

An analytical model for chatter stability prediction in bull-nose end milling of aero-engine casings is presented in this paper. And the mechanics and dynamics variations due to the complex cutter and workpiece geometry are considered by analyzing the effects of the lead angle on the milling process. Firstly, the tool-workpiece engagement region is obtained by using a previously developed method and divided into several disk elements along the tool-axis direction. Secondly, a 3D dynamic model for stability limit calculation is developed and simplified into a 1D model in normal direction considering only the dominant mode of the workpiece. Then the cutting force coefficients, the start and exit angles corresponding to each disk element are determined. And the total stability lobe diagram is calculated using an iterative algorithm. Finally, several experimental tests are carried out to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed prediction approach.