Experimental Study and Finite Element Modeling of Workpiece Temperature in Finish Cylinder Boring

Thermal expansion of the workpiece during cylinder boring process is one of the sources causing the bore cylindricity error. To study thermal expansion induced bore distortion, detailed workpiece temperature distribution in cylinder boring is required. Four finite element models, namely, the advection model, surface heat model, heat carrier model, and ring heat model, were developed to predict the workpiece temperature in cylinder boring. Cylinder boring experiments were conducted utilizing the tool–foil and embedded thermocouple experimental approaches to measure the workpiece temperature, predict the temperature distribution using the inverse heat transfer method, and evaluate the capability of the four models in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Results showed an accurate global temperature prediction for all models and a good correlation with the embedded thermocouple experimental measurements. Good correlation was also obtained between the tool–foil thermocouple measurement of machined surface temperature and model predictions. Advantages and disadvantages as well as applicable scenarios of each model were discussed. For studying detailed cylinder boring workpiece temperature, it is suggested to use the ring heat model to estimate the moving heat flux and the heat carrier model for local workpiece temperature calculation.