Simulation of Nano-scale Cutting with Molecular Dynamics

The simulation of nanometric cutting of copper with diamond cutting tools, with the Molecular Dynamics method is considered. A 2D model of orthogonal nano-scale cutting is presented and the influence of the depth of cut and tool rake angle on chip morphology and cutting forces is investigated. For the analysis, three different depths of cut, namely 10Å, 15Å and 20 Å and four tool rake angles, namely 0°, 10°, 20° and 30° are tested. Results indicate that with increasing depth of cut, cutting forces also increase, while with increasing tool rake angle, cutting forces decrease. Furthermore, the effect of Lennard-Jones and Morse potentials on final results of the simulation is studied and discussed. The proposed model can be successfully used for the modeling and simulation of cutting operations that continuum mechanics cannot be applied or experimental and measurement techniques are subjected to limitations or it is difficult to be carried out.