Investigation into the Heat Transfer Behavior of Electrostatic Atomization Minimum Quantity Lubrication (EMQL) during Grinding

Abstract

Electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (EMQL) technology has been developed to address the need for environmentally friendly, efficient, and low-damage grinding of challenging titanium alloy materials. EMQL leverages multiple physical fields to achieve precise atomization of micro-lubricants, enabling effective lubrication in high temperature, high pressure, and high-speed grinding environments through the use of electric traction. Notably, the applied electric field not only enhances atomization and lubrication capabilities of micro-lubricants but also significantly impacts heat transfer within the grinding zone. In order to explore the influence mechanism of external electric field on spatial heat transfer, this paper first comparatively analyzes the grinding heat under dry grinding, MQL, and EMQL conditions and explores the intensity of the effect of external electric field on the heat transfer behavior in the grinding zone. Furthermore, the COMSOL numerical calculation platform was used to establish an electric field-enhanced (EHD) heat transfer model, clarifying charged particles’ migration rules between poles. By considering the electroviscous effect, the study reveals the evolution of heat transfer structures in the presence of an electric field and its impact on heat transfer mechanisms.