Model testing of fixture–workpiece interface compliance in dynamic conditions

•Compliance of fixture/workpiece interface is investigated under dynamic loads.•Special testing device is designed and manufactured for the purpose of experiment.•Interface load capacity was tested for spherical-tip clamping/locating elements.•Under certain conditions, large-radius tips provide lower interface compliance.•Industrial application includes higher fixture reliability and cutting regimes.

This paper is focused on the problem of compliance of interface between clamping/locating fixture elements and workpiece, under dynamic loads during machining. In contrast to previous investigations, the authors have developed a special device dedicated to testing of physical models which represent clamping/locating elements and workpiece. This device allows optimization of a large number of input parameters which are critical to interface compliance. It was used in experimental investigations to establish the impact that the radius of the spherical tip of a clamping/locating element has on the interface compliance and load capacity. The results of experimental investigation show that, under certain conditions, the clamping/locating elements with larger-radius spherical tips provide significantly lower interface compliance. Future investigations should be aimed at finding optimum macro- and micro-geometries of contact interface, as well as the selection of materials for clamping/locating elements.