Grinding Energy Modeling Based on Friction, Plowing, and Shearing

Grinding is an important abrasive machining process at the end of many process chains. Understanding energy transformation in grinding is not only important to improve energy efficiency but also crucial for understanding the chip formation process itself. Grinding energy can be studied at the macroscopic or microscopic levels, wherein the entire grinding tool is considered or the phenomena at the single cutting edges are studied. This paper explores existing energy modeling approaches in grinding with particular emphasis on physical models. Models on energy transformation during the ductile grit–workpiece engagement for three regimes —being friction, plowing, and shearing —are explained. In addition to the critical depth of cut (DOC) when chip formation starts, a critical depth when plowing begins is introduced to divide between the different regimes. Selected models for each regime are combined to an integrated grinding energy model that allows researchers to investigate forces and energy during grit engagement.