Some constructive observations on the effect of wheel eccentricity during grinding of CFRP

• Published in: Journal of manufacturing processes 2023-07, Vol.97, p.62-75
• Main Authors: Handa, Danish, Sooraj, V.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CFRP; Defects; Eccentricity; Grinding; Intermittent; Progressive
• ISSN: 1526-6125; 2212-4616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.04.066

Progressive and intermittent cutting scheme has been found useful for heterogeneous and difficult-to-machine materials such as fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Though a controlled eccentricity to the rotation of grinding wheel is projected as one of the simplest methodologies to achieve such a unique cutting scheme, the major apprehension is the influence of eccentricity on grinding dynamics. This research aims to understand the influence of eccentricity on the grinding performance and surface integrity of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) and to establish a guideline for the selection of eccentricity for a progressive-intermittent cutting scheme. Surface/sub-surface level defect estimations via SEM and X-ray computed tomography, analysis of Raman spectra for residual stress patterns, 3D surface topography assessment on ground surface, etc., presented in this work may provide useful benchmarks for the selection of grinding strategies and processing conditions for machining unfriendly materials like CFRPs. [Display omitted] •Controlled eccentricity of grinding wheel exhibited improved surface integrity on CFRP.•Eccentric rotation of wheel imparts a unique, progressive-intermittent cutting trajectory for abrasives.•Avoiding continuous loading of fibres against the matrix due to progressive cutting relaxes the grinding forces.•Selection of appropriate eccentricity level minimized the machining induced surface defects.•This paper presents benchmark experiments for the selection of eccentricity level for CFRP grinding.