A Review of Theories of Metal Removal in Grinding

Abstract

In recent years, increasing interest in the mechanics of grinding as a metal cutting process has resulted in a considerable step forward in understanding the fundamental parameters, though no complete solution is yet available. Much is now known about the shape of the abrasive grits, the nature of their cutting edges, and how these are affected by the various wear mechanisms prevailing during grinding to produce sharp cutting edges by fracture, or dulled abrasive by chemical or attritious wear. Using this information experiments using sliding single grits, and models of single grits, have demonstrated the importance of considering both forward and lateral flow of metal, and have shown the differences from conventional metal cutting. Chip formation in the conventional manner is seen to occur and metal is also removed as slivers, resembling chips, from the side walls of grooves resulting from lateral metal flow. The influences of speed, friction, lubrication and grit distribution need to be more closely examined, however, before the experimental results of grinding simulation can be accurately assessed.