Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in aerospace community:a comparative analysis

The aerospace community widely uses difficult-to-cut materials,such as titanium alloys,high-temperature alloys,metal/ceramic/polymer matrix composites,hard and brittle materials,and geometrically complex components,such as thin-walled structures,microchannels,and complex surfaces.Mechanical machining is the main material removal process for the vast majority of aerospace components.However,many problems exist,including severe and rapid tool wear,low machining efficiency,and poor surface integrity.Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining is a hybrid process that uses nontraditional energies(vibration,laser,electricity,etc)to improve the machinability of local materials and decrease the burden of mechanical machining.This provides a feasible and promising method to improve the material removal rate and surface quality,reduce process forces,and prolong tool life.However,systematic reviews of this technology are lacking with respect to the current research status and development direction.This paper reviews the recent progress in the nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in the aerospace community.In addition,this paper focuses on the processing principles,material responses under nontraditional energy,resultant forces and temperatures,material removal mechanisms,and applications of these processes,including vibration-,laser-,electric-,magnetic-,chemical-,advanced coolant-,and hybrid nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining.Finally,a comprehensive summary of the principles,advantages,and limitations of each hybrid process is provided,and future perspectives on forward design,device development,and sustainability of nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining processes are discussed.

Coupling Characteristics and Control of Dual Mechanical Port Machine with Spoke Type Permanent Magnet Arrangement

Dual mechanical port machine（DMPM）, as a novel electromechanical energy conversion device, has attracted widespread attention. DMPM with spoke type permanent magnet arrangements（STPM-DMPM）, which is one of several types of DMPM, has been of interest recently. The unique coupling characteristics of STPM-DMPM are beneficial to improving system performance, but these same characteristics increase the difficulties of control. Now there has been little research about the control of STPM-DMPM, and this has hindered its practical application. Based on a mathematical model of STPM-DMPM, the coupling characteristics and the merits and demerits of such devices are analyzed as applied to a hybrid system. The control strategies for improving the disadvantages and for utilizing the advantage of coupling are researched. In order to weaken the interaction effect of torque outputs in the inner motor and the outer motor that results from coupling in STPM-DMPM, a decoupling control method based on equivalent current control is proposed, and independent torque control for the inner motor and outer motor is achieved. In order to solve address the problem of adequately utilization of coupling, minimizing the overall copper loss of the inner motor and the outer motor of STPM-DMPM is taken as the optimization objective for optimal control, and the purpose of utilizing the coupling adequately and reasonably is achieved. The verification tests of the proposed decoupling control and optimal control strategies are carried out on a prototype STPM-DMPM, and the experimental results show that the interaction effect of torque outputs in the inner motor and the outer motor can be markedly weakened through use of the control method. The overall copper loss of the inner motor and the outer motor can be markedly reduced through use of the optimal control method, while the power output remains unchanged. A breakthrough in the control problem of STPM-DMPM is accomplished by combining the control methods. Good performance in the control of STPM-DMPM will enhance its practicality, particularly as applied to hybrid systems.

Code mechanical solidification and verification in MEMS security devices

The virtual machine of code mechanism （VMCM） as a new concept for code mechanical solidification and verification is proposed and can be applied in MEMS （micro-electromechanical systems） security device for high consequence systems. Based on a study of the running condition of physical code mechanism, VMCM＇s configuration, ternary encoding method, running action and logic are derived. The cases of multi-level code mechanism are designed and verified with the VMCM method, showing that the presented method is effective.

Fluorescence‑Based Calibration Model for In‑Situ Measurement of Micro‑scaled Lubricant Thickness Distribution at Indentation Interface

This study proposes a model for the measurement of microscale liquid film thickness distribution using fluorescence signals.The interfacial conditions between the tool and the workpiece in mechanical machining are important for understanding these phenomena and mechanisms.In this study,indentation tests with transparent tools were used to observe interfaces;however,it was challenging to obtain the signal from a thin fluorescent liquid film on smooth and steeply inclined surfaces.Therefore,fluorescence-based measurement,such as laser-induced fluorescence,was employed.To measure the absolute thickness of the thin fluorescent film,calibration of the measurement system is necessary.Therefore,a theoretical model was proposed considering the multiple reflections of excitation light and fluorescence at the inclined surface between the indenter and workpiece.By measuring the profile of the surface topography of the indented workpiece and comparing the results with those measured by a surface profiler,the validity of the proposed calibration method and the performance of this measurement system were demonstrated.The measured surface profiles,including scratches of 2–4μm,were in good agreement,demonstrating the validity of the proposed method.

Advances in molecular dynamics simulation of ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials

Hard and brittle materials, such as silicon, SiC, and optical glasses, are widely used in aerospace, military, integrated circuit, and other fields because of their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, these materials display poor machinability because of their hard and brittle properties. Damages such as surface micro-crack and subsurface damage often occur during machining of hard and brittle materials. Ultra-precision machining is widely used in processing hard and brittle materials to obtain nanoscale machining quality. However, the theoretical mechanism underlying this method remains unclear. This paper provides a review of present research on the molecular dynamics simulation of ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials. The future trends in this field are also discussed.

Research on the underlying mechanism behind abrasive flow machining on micro-slit structures and simulation of viscoelastic media

In this study,the machining mechanism of abrasive flow machining(AFM)microstructures was analyzed in depth according to the transmission morphology and rheological behaviors of the abrasive media.The transmission morphology demonstrated the excellent combination of the polymer melt with abrasive grains at the interface,indicating that the polymer melt,combined with the uniform distribution of the polymer chains,could exert a harmonious axial force on the abrasive grains.Based on the rheological behavior analysis of the abrasive media,for example,the stress relaxation and moduli of storage and loss,a machining mechanism model was established incorporating the effect of microplastic deformation and continuous viscous flow,which was further verified by the grooves along the flow direction.In addition,the PhanThien-Tanner(PTT)model combined with a wall slipping model was employed to simulate the machining process for the first time here.The value of the simulated pressure(1.3 MPa)was similar to the measured pressure(1.45 MPa),as well as the simulated volumetric rate(0.0114 mL/s)to the measured volumetric rate(0.067 mL/s),which further proved the validity of the simulation results.The flow duration(21 s)derived from a velocity of 1.2 mm/s further confirmed the residual stretched state of the polymer chains,which favored the elasticity of the abrasive media on the grains.Meanwhile,the roughly uniform distribution of the shear rate at the main machining region exhibited the advantages of evenly spread storage and loss moduli,contributing to the even extension of indentation caused by the grains on the target surface,which agreed with the mechanism model and machined surface morphology.

Electrical Discharge Machining of Al2024-65 vol%SiC Composites

In the present work, the wire electrical discharge machining（WEDM） process of the 65 vol% SiCp/2024 Al composite prepared by pressure infiltration methods has been investigated. The microstructure of the machined composite was characterized by scanning electron microscope, the average surface roughness（Ra）, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy（TEM） techniques. Three zones from the surface to the interior（melting zone, heat affected zone and un-affected zone） were found in the machined composites, while the face of SiC particles on the surface toward the outside was ‘‘cut＇＇ to be flat. Increase in Al and Si but decrease in C and O were observed in the core areas of the removed particles. Si phase, which was generated due to the decomposition of SiC, was detected after the WEDM process. The irregular and spherical particles were further observed by TEM. Based on the microstructure observation, it is suggested that the machining mechanism of 65 vol% SiCp/2024 Al composite was the combination of the melting of Al matrix and the decomposition of SiC particles.

Nano-enhanced biolubricant in sustainable manufacturing:From processability to mechanisms

To eliminate the negative effect of traditional metal-working fluids and achieve sustainable manufacturing,the usage of nano-enhanced biolubricant(NEBL)is widely researched in minimum quantify lubrication(MQL)machining.It's improved tool wear and surface integrity have been preliminarily verified by experimental studies.The previous review papers also concluded the major influencing factors of processability including nano-enhancer and lubricant types,NEBL concentration,micro droplet size,and so on.Nevertheless,the complex action of NEBL,from preparation,atomization,infiltration to heat transfer and anti-friction,is indistinct which limits preparation of process specifications and popularity in factories.Especially in the complex machining process,in-depth understanding is difficult and meaningful.To fll this gap,this paper concentrates on the comprehensive quantitative assessment of processability based on tribological,thermal,and machined surface quality aspects for NEBL application in turning,milling,and grinding.Then it attempts to answer mechanisms systematically considering multi-factor influence of molecular structure,physicochemical properties,concentration,and dispersion.Firstly,this paper reveals advanced lubrication and heat transfer mechanisms of NEBL by quantitative comparison with biolubricant-based MQL machining.Secondly,the distinctive filmformation,atomization,and infiltration mechanisms of NEBL,as distinguished from metal-working fluid,are clarified combining with its unique molecular structure and physical properties.Furtherly,the process optimization strategy is concluded based on the synergistic relationship analysis among process variables,physicochemical properties,machining mechanisms,and performance of NEBL.Finally,the future development directions are put forward aiming at current performance limitations of NEBL,which requires improvement on preparation and jet methods respects.This paper will help scientists deeply understand effective mechanism,formulate process specifications,and find future development trend of this technology.

Creating technical heritage object replicas in a virtual environment

The paper presents innovative informatics methods for creating virtual technical heritage replicas, which are of significant scientific and practical importance not only to researchers but to the public in general. By performing 3D modeling and animation of aircrafts, spaceships, architectural-engineering buildings, and other technical objects, the process of teaming is achieved while promoting the preservation of the replicas for future generations. Modem approaches based on the wide usage of computer technologies attract a greater number of young people to explore the history of science and technology and renew their interest in the field of mechanical engineering.

Goryachkin＇s agricultural mechanics

The paper contributes to the development of applied mechanics by establishing a new discipline, namely, agricultural mechanics by academician Vasilii Prohorovich Goryachkin （1868-1935） who was an apprentice of Nikolay Yegorovich Zhukovsky and a graduate of the Moscow University （current known as Moscow State University） and the Imperial Higher Technical School.