Longitudinal-torsional complex-mode ultrasonic actuator for vibration-assisted drilling of CFRP

Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are intensively used in aircraft and aerospace industry thanks to their superior properties. Comparing to the conventional drilling (CD), vibration-assisted drilling (VAD) is a novel machining technique suitable for drilling CFRP. Still, multi-mode excitations with elliptical locus and low vibration performance limit the applications of current VAD schemes for CFRP. To overcome these limitations and improve the overall performance, an innovative longitudinal-torsional complex-mode ultrasonic vibration-assisted actuator with single excitation and an elliptical locus is presented employing a piezoelectric transducer and a stepped horn with spiral grooves. The proposed actuator is specially designed to deliver elliptical vibration and assure high vibration performance of a tool tip. Analysis of the actuation mechanism for the longitudinal-torsional composite vibration mode is discussed, and its simplified model is developed. A detailed design process of this actuator is given. Its vibration characteristics are verified with both finite-element simulation and experimental modal analysis using a swept sine test. It is demonstrated the developed prototype achieved longitudinal-torsional elliptical vibration. To validate the machining performance of the actuator, two groups of drilling experiments were performed. These indicate that the proposed actuator is capable of drilling CFRP with improved machining performance.