Applicability of cutting theory to nanocutting of metallic glasses: Atomistic simulation

Abstract Using molecular dynamics simulation, we perform simulations of cutting a CuZr metallic glass at a wide range of rake angles. Plasticity in the metallic glass is governed by the formation of parallel shear bands in the chip. The chip is clearly separated from the uncut workpiece by a primary shear zone, from which the shear angle can be easily determined. The dependence of the shear angle on the rake angle and the friction angle follows closely Merchant’s theory of cutting. This agreement is particularly pronounced in the case that the force exerted on the workpiece is far from the cutting direction; this occurs for negative rake angles.