Eulerian-Lagrangian Coupling in Finite Element Calculations With Applications to Machining

Multi-material Eulerian finite element methods are attractive for problems in solid mechanics where new free surfaces are created, e.g., the formation of chips in machining. One weakness associated with the Eulerian finite element formulation, however, is the interaction of materials at the contact interface. The standard mixture theories effectively bond the materials together, and prohibit the relative slip between the materials that is crucial for an accurate machining simulation. In this paper, we compare the results of a machining calculation performed using an Eulerian formulation with a contact mixture theory and a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian calculation, where the workpiece is Eulerian, and the tool is Lagrangian.