A Graphical Analysis of Regenerative Machine Tool Instability

Abstract

A graphical method for the investigation of regenerative machine tool chatter is presented. The method is based on the harmonic response locus of the machine tool structure and allows the determination of the stable and unstable cutting speed ranges. The chip thickness variation effect as well as the penetration rate effect are taken into consideration. The method is illustrated by a number of examples relating to drilling or spot facing chatter arising on a radial drilling machine. The effects of mode interaction and of the penetration rate on the stability and on the variation of the chatter frequency are discussed. A critical assessment of the method is presented, in comparison with other methods available.