Effect of Abrasive Breakdown and Renewal on the Variation of Machining Speed

Abstract

We have shown that the machining speed depends on the vibration amplitude, applied static pressure, abrasive concentration, and size distribution of the abrasive particles. If these parameters are held constant, the machining speed should not vary with depth of penetration of the tool. It is well known, however, that the speed decreases significantly with depth of the cut. This effect is clearly attributable to variation of the concentration or grain sizes of the abrasive in the working space under the tool. In the course of ultrasonic machining some of the abrasive grains are broken, and fresh ones take their place. Consequently, not only the number of particles, but also their sizes vary.