Tribological Properties of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Milling Aluminium Alloy Surfaces

Kinematics analysis of tool-tip in milling process with ultrasonic vibration in feed direction was conducted. Ultrasonic vibration assisted milling (UVAM) aluminium alloy experiments were designed to investigate the morphologies of machined surfaces. Research results showed that some regular scaly textures distributed evenly on the UVAM surfaces, which are consistent with the theoretical analysis results of tool-tip trajectory. The tribological properties of machined surfaces were tested by using UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine. Test results showed that scaly textures enhanced the adsorption capacities of UVAM surfaces to oil film; as well, it played an important role for oil storage and trapping wear particles, resulting in better friction stabilities. Compared to traditional milling surfaces, the friction coefficients of UVAM surfaces decreased about 20%, and their bearing capacity of oil films increased about 140%.