Distribution of metalworking fluid in vibration-assisted drilling using minimum quantity lubrication

Abstract The distribution of metalworking fluid (MWF) during a stationary variant of the vibration-assisted drilling using minimum quantity lubrication is analyzed. Two numerical approaches are employed to simulate the MWF transport: a droplet-based Eulerian-Lagrangian-Eulerian model for spray supply, and a volume-of-fluid method for jet-like MWF delivery. The simulations reveal distinct deposition patterns: spray supply results in a broad wetting of the bore ground from the drill center up to approximately three quarters of the radius, while jet supply leads to wetting of the outermost region. Drill rotation significantly affects jet-based wetting but has minor influence on spray supply. The findings highlight the complementary strengths of both supply strategies and point to an optimization goal for minimum quantity lubrication in vibration-assisted drilling: the tailored combination of spray and jet supply to target specific regions of the chisel edge and cutting edge for improved lubrication and tool performance.