Abstract: At present the verification of clamping force is mainly based on experience during machining the aero frame shape workpiece, which often results in distortion of the workpiece. An FEA (Finite Element Analysis) model is developed to reflect the influence of friction and chip removal on the clamping force verification. The chip removal effect is simulated using an element death technique based material removal approach in the FEA model. Spring and damper elements are used to represent every point, where the fixtures contact with the work piece. The clamping force of the workpiece is determined under the effects of dynamic loading. Simulation results show that the normal force on the contact area changes with the cutter's movement. The clamping force must be adjusted during machining, in order to reduce the workpiece distortion and to ensure the accurate work piece location.

Key words: clamping force, chip removal, frictional contact , finite element analysis