Metal-Cutting Chatter and Its Elimination

Abstract The practical problem of suppressing chatter in a machine tool often can be solved by a study of the modes of vibration and the proper application of dampers. Concerning the cause of chatter, three phenomena may be recognized: namely, primary chatter, transitional instability, and feedback effect. Primary chatter is believed to be caused by the lag of the temperature and stress state in the vicinity of the shear plane. Transitional instability is associated with a work-hardened skin and may occur whenever all or part of the cutting edge operates in this region. Constructive and destructive feedback effects are demonstrated and a method of utilizing these effects to suppress chatter is suggested.