Bibliometric analysis and research trends in minimum quantity lubrication for reducing cutting forces

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is an effective method for addressing technical challenges associated with high cutting loads during machining. Although much research has explored the ability of MQL to reduce cutting forces, intuitive analyses of its developmental trends, leading researchers, and research hotspots remain limited. To address this, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on studies related to MQL and its role in cutting force reduction. Data from the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering the period from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2023, were analyzed. Bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and Bibliometrix were used to visually assess publication trends, source journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords. The results show that India leads in publication output with 231 papers, while Li CH from China is the most cited author, with 3200 citations. A detailed clustering analysis of keywords and their representative research areas was performed, summarizing the current findings on the effects of processing parameters on cutting forces. The study also analyzed the optimization of machining parameters to minimize cutting forces, identifying relatively optimal conditions. Finally, challenges and potential solutions were discussed, providing theoretical and technical guidance for the industrial application of MQL.