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A molecular dynamics study on atomistic mechanisms of nano-scale cutting process of sapphire

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Abstract

Sapphire is a promising material for various optical, electronic, and mechanical applications, but is very difficult to machine due to its high hardness and brittleness. In this study we attempt to study fundamental atomistic mechanisms of nano-scale cutting of sapphire using Molecular dynamics (MD). Atomistic models for diamond cutting of sapphire are developed using Vashishta and Lennard-Jones potentials and MD simulations address the effects of the tool edge radius and uncut chip thickness on the cutting process. Cutting and normal forces with different cutting parameters are calculated and compared with the experimental data in previous research. An analysis using a local measurement of atomistic strain also reveals detailed deformation mechanisms of the sapphire cutting process.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221-0072, USA

    Woo Kyun Kim

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06978, Korea

    Bo Hyun Kim

Authors
  1. Woo Kyun Kim
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Correspondence to Bo Hyun Kim.

Additional information

Recommended by Associate Editor Haseung Chung

Woo Kyun Kim received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, USA in 2009. He is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, USA. His research interests include atomic-scale friction and crystalline defects.

Bo Hyun Kim received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University in 2005. He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Soongsil University, Seoul, South Korea. His research interests include micro machining and non-conventional machining processes.

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Kim, W.K., Kim, B.H. A molecular dynamics study on atomistic mechanisms of nano-scale cutting process of sapphire. J Mech Sci Technol 31, 4353–4362 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-0834-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-0834-5

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