On the multiscale tribological signatures of the tool helix angle in profile milling of woven flax fiber composites

The present study is focused on tribological and multiscale analysis for the machined surfaces of bidirectional flax fibers reinforced polypropylene composites. This is to track the multiscale effect of the helix angle of the cutting tool, related to its kinematic, on the cutting mechanisms. The results show that the helix angle has significant effect on the tribological performances which affect the tribo-contact interaction between the flax fibers and the cutting edge. The fibers orientation in the woven reinforcement has significant effect on the surface quality. The multiscale analysis reveals the pertinent scales that activate the helix angle effect. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.