Modeling of Discrete Contacts for the Thermodynamic Element System of a Modular Wood-Milling Cutter

Operational capability of a modular wood-cutting tool depends, besides many factors, on the design features of cutting element fastening unit. There are no clear and precise methods that explain major factors influencing tool durability for selecting the design of the modular wood-cutting tool, which would meet production requirements. Thermodynamics modeling under contact interaction of elements enables to choose a design for effective application and increases the tool efficient life. The research purpose is modeling of thermodynamic processes in the cutter element fastening unit in the wood-cutting tool body in order to optimize the design, technological parameters and operating modes of the tool. The research subject is the contact interaction conditions and heat transfer processes between the device elements. The cutting element fastening unit is designed and the model of interaction between the parts of the mechanism of the modular wood-milling tool is developed. Further tasks, namely, development of a model of thermodynamic processes in the cutting element fastening unit, discussion of the results and identifying the recommendations for choosing the design of the modular wood-cutting tool at the design stage were realized in a work that continues the ongoing research. The finite-element model of rough wavy surfaces contact interaction of design elements was developed on the basis of standard design of a shell-type plain woodmilling cutter. The analysis concluded that further analytical modeling of contact conditions with existing parameters is possible. The contacting surfaces approach and the radii of single contact areas were determined taking into account the data of design and calculation of wood cutting forces. These results will be used next in modeling of thermodynamic processes. Methodology and research methods comprise theoretical study and mathematical modeling, including finite-element analysis. The models developed are possible to be used in the creation of a complex durability model of the wood-cutting tool with regard to other factors. The main result of this research stage is obtaining the model of contact conditions and initial data for further modeling of thermodynamic processes in the knife fastening unit in the milling body to predict its thermal condition.