Drilling of metal matrix composites: Experimental and finite element analysis

Drilling is an indispensable machining operation, which is mostly performed for making holes in an intricate composite part. In this research investigation, a finite element model has been developed to simulate the drilling behavior of Al1100/10% SiC metal matrix composite using finite element platform (ABAQUS/Explicit). The effect of cutting speed and feed rate on thrust force has also been experimentally evaluated. It was found that the magnitude of thrust force obtained from the proposed finite element model is in close agreement with the experimental values. It was also established that the proposed finite element model is quite efficient to predict the thrust force signals generated during drilling of metal matrix composites.