Generation of scallop free machined surfaces in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites with minimum waviness and defects using eccentric sleeve grinding
Aerospace Engineering
Defect free machining of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites, crossing the challenges posed by anisotropic non-homogenous fibre-matrix system, is one of the important material processing requirements with a wide scope in industrial applications. Eccentric Sleeve Grinding (ESG) projected in this research is a unique strategy with progressive-intermittent cutting scheme for achieving minimal damage machined surfaces on FRPs. Progressively varying depth of engagement for active abrasive grains in the cutting zone with an intermittent and periodically repeating cutting pattern achieved through precisely controlled eccentric rotation of grinding wheel is the key highlight of ESG. Through this step-by-step cutting methodology, significant reduction in grinding force has been achieved on Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites under varying cutting conditions. Coordination of work feed with grinding wheel rotation is an important aspect to be considered for the minimization of scallops on FRP surfaces during ESG. A detailed theoretical model to guide the selection of work feed for a scallop free surface with reduced waviness, roughness and defects, with a demonstration of the associated graphical user interface, has been introduced in this research. Experiments reported to demonstrate the methodology and capability of intermittent-progressive cutting scheme may provide useful guidance for the adaptation of ESG in similar FRP machining applications. Studies organized in this research provides an in-depth practical insight towards a futuristic minimal damage grinding strategy for fibre reinforced polymer composites in critical functional applications.
Figure 1: Concept of Surface Generation using Eccentric Sleeve Grinding
Ref: Danish Handa, V.S. Sooraj, Generation of scallop free machined surfaces in CFRPs with minimum waviness and defects using eccentric sleeve grinding, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Volume 301, 2022.
