Finite element analysis of synergetic deformation in precision cutting of polymer bonded explosive

Abstract

Synergetic deformation behavior between crystal particles and polymeric binders dominates the machinability of energetic materials. In the present work, we elucidate cutting mechanisms of HMX-based polymer bonded explosive (PBX) in orthogonal cutting by numerical simulations based on a cohesive finite element framework. The polygonal HMX crystals with a particle volume fraction of 90% are modeled by a linear elasticity model, while the HTPB binders are described by a rate-independent hyperelastic model coupled with a rate-dependent plasticity model. Furthermore, cohesive elements are implemented in both crystal particles and binders to describe thermal-mechanical coupling-induced material failure behavior in the cutting process of PBX. Simulation results reveal different deformation modes of PBX, as well as their correlations with machining results. Furthermore, it is found that depth of cut has a strong impact on the cutting processes of PBX, in terms of material failure mode, subsurface damage and energy dissipation. These findings provide important guidelines for the design and synthesis of energetic materials with high machinability.