Good Chaos in material processing and complex machines

Francis C. Moon, Cornell University, Joseph C. Ford Professor,Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In this talk I will explore the idea that deterministic chaos is natural in many material processes such as cutting and may in fact be desirable. I will explore the nonlinear time delay models and dynamics of cutting metals and discuss the interesting bifurcations that have been predicted and observed experimentally.

In a broader conjecture, I will propose a theory that small scale chaos or deterministic noise have evolved naturally in the creation and design of complex machine systems. I will cite examples from modern machine design as well as discuss experimental data from a nineteenth century collection of clock escapements from the Reuleaux collection of mechanisms at Cornell University. The reasons for the acceptance of low level chaos in complex dynamic machines by designers will be explored.