Time-domain dynamic modelling of the external plunge grinding process

This paper presents a time-domain dynamic model of the external plunge grinding process. The model consists of a block-based simulation tool that substantially simplifies the inclusion of different effects, the variation of process or machine parameters, and the study of the parameters which influence the process. Since it is a time-domain model, non-linear effects can be considered. Particular attention is paid to the inclusion in the model of the interference phenomenon between two consecutive workpiece revolutions. The inclusion of this phenomenon is particularly important when trying to explain why process parameters which cause unstable conditions during stability analyses can, however, lead to acceptable workpiece results. The model permits the visualisation of this lobe destruction effect between consecutive workpiece revolutions. The actual infeed constitutes the model input, i.e. different infeed rates and spark-out time. The importance of the different model parameters is discussed within the paper, with special attention being given to the application of this model to the grinding with CBN wheels. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.