Parameter optimization of time-varying stiffness method for chatter suppression based on magnetorheological fluid-controlled boring bar

An innovative chatter suppression method based on a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-controlled boring bar for chatter suppression is developed. The MR fluid, which can change stiffness consecutively by varying the strength of the applied magnetic field, was applied to adjust the stiffness of the boring bar and suppress chatter. The cutting dynamic stability under different natural frequencies of the structure was analyzed by an energy method, which shows that cutting dynamic stability depends on both the natural frequency of the structure and the spindle speed. The chatter suppression mechanism with varying natural frequency is analyzed for further parameter optimization. Furthermore, both theoretical analyses and numerical simulations indicate that a square wave exciting current with a large amplitude and a moderate frequency has a better effect on regenerative chatter suppression. Experiments utilizing a MR fluid-controlled boring bar under an exciting current with different waveforms and frequencies were conducted. The experimental results show that the chatter can be significantly suppressed using MR fluid-controlled boring bar under a square wave exciting current with a frequency of 4-6 Hz and an amplitude of 0-2 A.