Simulation of the orthogonal metal cutting process using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite-element method

Two different finite-element formulations, the Lagrangian and the Eulerian, have been used extensively in the modeling of the orthogonal metal cutting process. Each of these formulations has some disadvantages that make it inefficient for modeling the cutting process. In this paper, it is shown that a more general formulation, the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method may be used to combine the advantages and avoid the shortcomings of both of the previous methods. It is also shown that due to the characteristics of the cutting process, this formulation offers the most efficient modeling approach. Some preliminary results of this approach are presented to demonstrate its capabilities and potential in simulating the cutting process.