Survival life analysis applied to tool life estimation with variable cutting conditions when machining titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMCs)

A survival analysis methodology is employed through a novel approach to model the progressive states of tool wear under different cutting conditions during machining of titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMCs). A proportional hazards model (PHM) with a Weilbull baseline is developed to estimate the reliability and hazard functions of the cutting inserts. A proper criterion is assigned to each state of tool wear and used to calculate the tool life at the end of each state. Accounting for the machining time and different stages of tool wear, in addition to the effect of cutting parameters, an accurate model is proposed. Investigating the results obtained for different states, it was shown that the evolution of the time-dependent phenomena, such as different tool wear mechanisms, throughout the whole machining process were also reflected in the model. The accuracy and reliability of the predicted tool lives were experimentally validated. The results showed that the model gives very good estimates of tool life and the critical points at which changes of states take place.