Simulation Model of the Plunge Centreless Grinding Process

Summary

A model that simulates the plunge centreless grinding operation is described with equations based on the static characteristics of the process. The model may be visualized by representing a grinding machine in which the grinding wheel advances toward the control wheel and work-blade during the in-feed cycle. Also incorporated is an oscillatory motion of the grinding wheel about its axis in the transverse horizontal direction dependent on the amount of unbalance present at the wheel. Work-piece speed, geometric configuration and grin ding-wheel unbalance were varied while other process parameters were held constant. The criteria for assessing the outcome were based on workpiece roundness and the output from simulation tests were computed roundness traces. Data obtained revealed that the geometric configuration was more influential than grinding-wheel unbalance in governing the number of waves on the workpiece. For a given geometric configuration, and wheel and workpiece rotational speeds, it is possible to predict the final roundness profile of a component by using this model.