Temperature determination at the chip–tool interface using an inverse thermal model considering the tool and tool holder

Abstract The temperature fields generated in the cutting processes are subject of extensive research. The studies of these thermal fields in machining are very important for the development of new technologies aiming to increase the tool lives and to reduce production costs. Since the direct temperature measurements at the chip–tool interface are very complex this work proposes the estimation of the temperature and the heat flux at the chip–tool interface using the inverse heat conduction problem technique. The thermal model is obtained by a numerical solution of the transient three-dimensional heat diffusion equation that considers both the tool and the tool holder assembly. To determine the solution equation the finite volume method is used. Changing in the thermal properties with the temperature and heat losses by convection are also considered. Several cutting tests using cemented carbide tools were performed in order to check the model and to verify the influence of the cutting parameters on the temperature field.