Feasibility studies on wet grinding of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy polymer at minimum defect condition via eccentric sleeve grinding

Although surface grinding is reported to be capable of precision material removal in carbon fibre reinforced epoxy polymer composites (CFRPs), it is highly limited by deprived cutting temperature dissipation, tool wear and sensitivity to undesired cutting defects. Continuous engagement of abrasive grains and successive accumulation of heat at cutting interface in conventional surface grinding results in severe surface damages. Though the controlled application of cutting fluids exhibited improved surface integrity, entrapment of fluid droplets into the defective zones/cracks of fibre, matrix and its interfaces are shown to be stimulating further defect propagation. Present paper investigates the feasibility of improving cutting fluid application in CFRP grinding, establishing a minimum surface defect condition through eccentric sleeve grinding (ESG). The reduction of post-grinding surface defects through an intermittent-progressive cutting scheme in ESG is demonstrated and the efficacy of cutting fluids in such a grinding scheme is illustrated through the comparison of grinding forces and surface characteristics.

Grinding of High-Strength Materials

The joint research of scientists of two countries deals with cylindrical and surface grinding with abrasive wheels of heat-resistant steel Inconel 625 (KhN77TYu GOST 5632 – 72 Russian Federation standard), (analogues include Hastalloy, N07080, Alloy 80A, Nimonic 80A, 2.4952 ASTM B637/ASME SB637, UNS N07080). The article shows the results of studies of the features of high-temperature steel during grinding with a fastened abrasive. The results of experiments are given to determine the optimal characteristics of grinding wheels, grinding modes, cooling-lubricant fluids. Experimental data about geometric accuracy, surface roughness, resistance of wheels are demonstrated as well. The ways to prevent from defects during cylindrical and surface grinding of high-strength steel are proposed. The recommendations to increase the tool resistance and output of the process are given.

Evaluation of Hardness and Residual Stress Changes of AISI 4140 Steel Due to Thermal Load during Surface Grinding

During surface grinding, internal material loads are generated, which take effect on the surface and subsurface zone of AISI 4140 steel. High thermal loads can result in specific material modifications, e.g., hardness reduction and tensile residual stresses, due to inappropriate combinations of system and process parameters which influence the functional performance of the ground component in a negative way. In order to avoid this damaging impact due to the thermal effect, an in-depth understanding of the thermal loads and the resulting modifications is required. This relationship is described in the concept of Process Signatures applied in this paper. Experimentally determined temperature-time histories at various depths below the surface were used to estimate the thermal loads at the surface and subsurface using a numerical approach based on the finite element method (FEM). The results show that the hardness change during surface grinding correlates with the maximum temperature rate at given maximum temperatures. In addition, correlations between the hardness change and the Hollomon–Jaffe parameter are identified, taking into account both the absolute temperature and its evolution over time. Furthermore, it was shown that the surface residual stresses correlate with the maximum local temperature gradients at the surface if no detectable tempering of the microstructure takes place.