Optimizing tool life in SiCp/Al composites milling with acoustic emission analysis: A comprehensive monitoring and implementation strategy

The machining of SiCp/Al composites is hampered by tool wear monitoring challenges. SiCp/Al composites are used in industries like aerospace where tool wear can lead to workpiece loss, necessitating real-time monitoring. Acoustic emission (AE) sources during machining are complex due to SiC particles. This paper attempts to isolate AE frequencies for plastic deformation and silicon carbide particle behavior through scratch experiments at different depths. The relationship between signal energy distribution and tool wear during milling is analyzed using the wavelet packet method. The frequency band correlating best to tool wear is identified outside the scratch experiment's frequency range. A monitoring strategy is proposed based on this, and the effect of machining parameters on AE monitoring is analyzed, with refinements to the monitoring model. The proposed strategy's effectiveness has been validated through experimental trials, resulting in an average tool utilization rate of 85 % during milling.