The ability to produce precision ring shaped parts using the turning process depends significantly on the workholding characteristics. Workholding parameters such as the number of jaws and chucking force are known to influence the roundness tolerance of ring shaped parts commonly used in bearing applications. Experimental trial and error methods are often used in practice to optimize the workholding parameters to achieve the desired part quality. This thesis develops a systematic mathematical approach for optimizing these parameters using a finished cut roundness prediction model and a model for determining the reaction force between the chuck jaws and the ring. The roundness prediction model is verified through experiments for different cutting conditions. The optimization approach takes as input the required roundness tolerance, geometry and mechanical properties of the ring, cutting forces, and the coefficient of friction between the jaws and the ring. The output consists of the minimum number of jaws and the range of acceptable chucking forces that satisfy the required tolerance while preventing slip of the ring. Simulation examples are used to illustrate the proposed workholding optimization approach for a hard turning application. In addition, based on the optimization model, the thesis proposes a novel concept of dynamic chucking force control that promises to yield part roundness that is superior to conventional chucking.

La technique de frittage flash (communément appelée Spark Plasma Sintering, SPS) suscite un engouement au niveau mondial. Ce procédé permet la densification de poudres à des vitesses généralement 10 à 100 fois plus élevées que celles des techniques de frittage traditionnelles. Il permet la synthèse de matériaux massifs innovants et originaux, à microstructures contrôlées, de formes complexes et de grandes dimensions. Cependant, la maîtrise du changement d’échelle et de l’homogénéité microstructurale des pièces obtenues par ce procédé nécessite une parfaite connaissance technique des équipements de frittage flash pour limiter notamment les gradients thermiques. La modélisation est une aide précieuse pour aboutir à l’amélioration de cette maîtrise. Une autre potentialité de cette technologie, l’assemblage de métaux, sans apport de matière, permet de répondre à des sollicitations industrielles pour lesquelles cette technique offre une solution alternative intéressante aux procédés d’assemblage actuels. Des aspects technologiques restent, toutefois, à maîtriser pour aller vers la réalisation d’assemblages de bonne qualité. / The flash sintering technique (commonly known as spark plasma sintering, SPS) generates a craze worldwide. This process allows a powder densification from speeds generally 10 to 100 times higher than those of the traditional sintering techniques. In addition, this allows the synthesis of innovative and original dense materials, with a controlled microstructure, complex shapes and, sometimes large sizes. However, the control of scaling and microstructure homogeneity of parts obtained by such a process requires a perfect knowledge of technical equipment including flash sintering to reduce thermal gradients. Modeling is a valuable aid to achieve the improvement of its control. Another potentiality of this technology, the welding of metal without matter, throught industrial demands offers an attractive alternative method to classical welding methods. Technological aspects remain, however, to master to go towards achieving good multi-materials.