Molecular Dynamics Modelling of Nanometric Cutting

Abstract

In this paper the modelling and simulation of nanometric cutting of copper with diamond cutting tools, with the Molecular Dynamics method is considered. A 2D model of orthogonal cutting, with nanoscale features, is constructed. In this model two different potential functions to simulate the interaction of the atoms within the workpiece and between the workpiece and the tool are used; LennardJones potential for the former and the Morse potential for the latter case. From the simulation the chip formation can be observed and analysed. The model is used for the simulation of nanocutting with three different nanometric depths of cut from which the cutting forces are calculated and compared. With increasing depth of cut, cutting forces also tend to increase. The proposed model can be successfully used for the modelling 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, such as ultra-precision machining, micro-cutting, miniaturization and nanoscale cutting.