Magnetic field effects in machining processes and on manufactured part mechanical characteristics

A review of research results demonstrating that magnetic fields applied to machining processes and mechanically manufactured parts can have beneficial effects is presented, an explanatory mechanistic model is described, and the model is used to interpret some results. The magnetic field-material interaction model shows an exponential dependence of material behavior and mechanical property changes on applied field strength and material magnetostrictive characteristics. Implications for use of magnetic fields to manipulate tribological processes, control machining processes, and alter material properties are that low field strengths can be useful for treating materials that have large magnetostrictive stain and high magnetic saturation level.