Structural Dynamics in Machine-Tool Chatter: Contribution to Machine-Tool Chatter Research—2

This paper is one of four being presented simultaneously on the subject of self-excited machine-tool chatter. Transfer-function theory is applied to obtain a representation of the dynamics of a machine-tool structure. The stability theory developed to investigate self-excited machine-tool chatter requires such a representation. Transfer functions of simple symmetric systems are derived and compared with measurements. When measured frequency-response data of more complex structures are obtained, it provides a very convenient means of data interpretation and enables one to develop the significant equations of motion that define the structure response throughout a specified frequency range. The transfer function presents the phase relationship between structure response and exciting force at all frequencies in the specified range. This knowledge of phase is essential to the proper application of the stability theory and explains the “digging-in” type of instability that is often encountered in machine-tool operation. The instrumentation used throughout these tests is discussed and evaluated. The concept of developing dynamic expressions for machine-tool components and joining these together through properly defined boundary conditions, thereby building up the transfer function of the complete machine-tool structure, is suggested as an area for further study.