A simple inverse procedure to determine heat flux on the tool in orthogonal cutting

The applications of numerical simulation to machining processes have been more and more increasing in the last decade: today, a quite effective predictive capability has been reached, at least as far as global cutting variables (for instance cutting forces) are concerned. On the other hand, the capability to predict local cutting variables (i.e. stresses acting on the tool, temperature distribution, residual stresses in the machined surface) has to be furtherly improved, as well as effective experimental procedures to validate numerical results have to be developed.The aim of this paper is the proposition of an innovative approach, based on an simple inverse procedure, in order to identify both the heat flux flowing into the tool through the rake face and the heat transfer coefficient between the tool and the environment during a typical orthogonal cutting process. It is worth pointing out that the effective determination of such quantities is necessary in order to carry out a reliable prediction of the temperature distribution in the tool during the process.The procedure is based on the integration of numerical simulations, inverse approach algorithms and experimental tests.