Prediction on grinding force during grinding powder metallurgy nickel-based superalloy FGH96 with electroplated CBN abrasive wheel

Abstract In this article, a grinding force model, which is on the basis of cutting process of single abrasive grains combined with the method of theoretical derivation and empirical formula by analyzing the formation mechanism of grinding force, was established. Three key factors have been taken into accounts in this model, such as the contact friction force between abrasive grains and materials, the plastic deformation of material in the process of abrasive plowing, and the shear strain effect of material during the process of cutting chips formation. The model was finally validated by the orthogonal grinding experiment of powder metallurgy nickel-based superalloy FGH96 by using the electroplated CBN abrasive wheel. Grinding force values of prediction and experiment were in good consistency. The errors of tangential grinding force and normal grinding force were 9.8% and 13.6%, respectively. The contributions of sliding force, plowing force and chip formation force were also analyzed. In addition, the tangential forces of sliding, plowing and chip formation are 14%, 19% and 11% of the normal forces on average, respectively. The pro-posed grinding force model is not only in favor of optimizing the grinding parameters and improving grinding efficiency, but also contributes to study some other grinding subjects (e.g. abrasive wheel wear, grinding heat, residual stress).