An experiment was set up at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) to test methods for estimating the cutting forces in real time within machine tools for any spindle speed, force profile, tool type, and cutting conditions. Before cutting, a metrology suite and instrumented tool holder were used to induce magnetic forces during spindle rotation, while on-machine vibrations, magnetic forces, and error motions were measured for various combinations of speeds and forces. A model may then relate the measured accelerations to the forces, such that during cutting, on-machine measured vibrations may be used in the model to estimate the cutting forces in real time. To test this process, the metrology suite and the instrumented tool holder were removed, except that the on-machine accelerometers remained. A dynamometer was then set up on the worktable with a workpiece to independently measure cutting forces during machining. Various cutting passes were performed with different mills while the dynamometer data and accelerometer data were collected. Even though considerable research has been conducted to estimate cutting forces with accelerometers and measured FRFs, one main challenge remains: a method must be created to estimate the cutting forces in real-time for any spindle speed, force profile, tool type, and cutting conditions. This dataset can be used to develop or advance such methods for industrial adoption.

An experiment was set up within a machine tool at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to test vision-based thermal drift tracking methods. A wireless microscope within a tool holder in the spindle is used to capture videos of image targets attached to the worktable. For each target, one video is captured during spindle rotation orthogonal to the worktable and another video is captured during axis translation orthogonal to the worktable. Data are collected periodically so that the three-dimensional thermal error at each target location may be determined via image analysis.

Objectives Options associated with geothermal drilling operations are generally limited by factors such as formation temperature and rock strength. The objective of the research is to expand the "tool box" available to the geothermal driller by furthering the development of a high-temperature drilling motor that can be used in directional drilling applications for drilling high temperature geothermal formations. The motor is specifically designed to operate in conjunction with a pneumatic down-the-hole-hammer. It provides a more compact design compared to traditional drilling motors such as PDMs (positive displacement motors). The packaging can help to enhance directional drilling capabilities. It uses no elastomeric components, which enables it to operate in higher temperatures (greater than 250 degrees F). Current work on the motor has shown that is a capable of operating under pneumatic power with a down-the-hole-hammer. Further development work will include continued testing and refining motor components and evaluating motor capabilities. Targets/Milestones Complete testing current motor - 12/31/2010 Make final material and design decisions - 01/31/2011 Build and test final prototype - 04/31/2011 Final demonstration - 07/31/2011 Impacts The development of the motor will help to achieve program technical objectives by improving well construction capabilities. This includes enabling high-temperature drilling as well as enhancing directional drilling. A key component in the auto indexer is the drive motor. It is an air-driven vane motor that converts the energy stored in the compressed air to mechanical energy. The motor is attached to hammer-like components which impart an impulsive load onto the drive shaft. The impulsive force on the drive shaft in turn creates an indexing action. A controlled test was performed to characterize the performance of the the vane motor for a given pressure. The Sandia dynamometer test station was used to determine the performance of the motor for a given input pressure.