Magnesium alloys have become attractive orthopedic biomaterials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and congruent mechanical properties with bone tissues. However, process mechanics of machining biomedical magnesium alloys is poorly understood. Mechanical properties of the biomedical magnesium alloy at high strain rates and large strains were determined by using the split-Hopkinson pressures bar testing method. The constitutive equation was then obtained based on the internal state variable (ISV) plasticity model. A finite element simulation model of high speed cutting was developed based on the user material ISV subroutine developed. The characteristics of chip morphology, temperatures, and other process variables in the cutting process are investigated.

Keywords: mechanical behavior, high speed machining, magnesium, biomaterial