A Force Prediction Model for Cutting Unidirectional Fibre-Reinforced Plastics

This paper aims to develop an approximate mechanics model to predict the forces in the orthogonal cutting of unidirectional fibre-reinforced plastics when the fibre-orientation varies from 0° to 90°. Based on the experimental understanding achieved, the model divides the cutting zone into three characteristic regions, i.e., chipping, pressing and bouncing regions. The cutting tool geometry, such as the rake angle and nose radius, is considered. It shows that the model developed has captured the major deformation mechanisms in cutting the composites and can predict the cutting forces with acceptable accuracy.