Abstract: Finite element simulation is an effective method to study high-speed cutting mechanism, and several key finite element techniques are studied in this paper. Large deformation theory and virtual work principle are applied to high-speed process, then the finite element governing equation is approached based on Lagrangian description. Orthogonal cutting finite element model is established through studying the material constitutive relation,contact of tool with chip,chip separation,chip fracture,heat dissipation and conduction key techniques. A method to construct material constitutive relation and a point of view from energy to explain chip fracture are adopted. In the end, a high-speed cutting case is simulated and the finite element model is proved to be reasonable by analyzing and validating some results of simulation.

Key words: high speed cutting, finite element model, orthogonal cutting simulation, material constitutive relation, chip fracture