Nonlinear dynamics of regenerative cutting processes—Comparison of two models

Understanding the nonlinear dynamics of cutting processes is essential for the improvement of machining technology. We study machine cutting processes by two different models, one has been recently introduced by Litak [Litak G. Chaotic vibrations in a regenerative cutting process. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 2002;13:1531–5] and the other is the classic delay differential equation model. Although chaotic solutions have been found in both models, well known routes to chaos, such as period-doubling or quasi-periodic motion to chaos are not observed in either model. Careful analysis shows that the chaotic motion from the Litak’s model has sharper spectral peaks, a smaller correlation dimension and a smaller value for the largest positive Lyapunov exponent. Implications to the control of chaos in cutting processes are discussed.