Prediction of temperature distribution over cutting tool with alumina-MWCNT hybrid nanofluid using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis

Abstract

The accurate measurement of tool tip temperature in turning has been a challenging task for researchers. The present study covers the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a single point carbide cutting tool dissipating heat and subjected to streams of nanofluid mist. This study is an attempt to numerically analyze the thermal behavior of the cutting tool having constant temperature heat source at its tip. To determine the optimized experimental value of nodal temperature, machining of AISI 304 steel has been carried out using alumina and alumina-MWCNT hybrid nanofluid mist with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system. Furthermore, the conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis has been performed to investigate the temperature distribution over the rake and flank face of carbide cutting insert. An overview of the mathematical model, complete geometry, and mesh generation of the carbide cutting tool is presented. Additionally, the CHT simulation results for the mist of alumina and alumina-MWCNT hybrid nanofluids were compared and validated successfully with the experimental data. The maximum variation of 5.79% has been observed between experimental and simulation data, which in turn proves the proposed conjugate heat transfer-based CFD model as an alternative approach to investigate the influence of cooling media on cutting tool under MQL technique.