Finite difference numerical modeling and experimental validation of workpiece surface temperature in micro-grinding

The objective of this work is to characterize the heat transfer and temperature generation into the workpiece during micro-slot grinding. A numerical model for predicting micro-grinding temperature is established based on the finite difference method (FDM). Workpiece volume is divided into small elementary sections and temperature in small sections near and away from the machining zone is calculated using thermo-physical model as well as validated by experimentally measured temperature using infrared technique. Temperature in micro-slot grinding increases during vertical insertion of the tool and becomes stable when the tool transverse in the feed direction. Simulation results show that transient heat transfer becomes dominant on increased feed rate values that result in an overall lowering of heat supply into the surface. Results also reveal that modification in the tool design has a significant impact on the reduction of workpiece temperature due to reduced contact length, reduced cutting forces, friction, and rubbing at the tool-workpiece interface. The proposed model is capable of solving transient problems in micro-slot grinding and is flexible to deal with different boundary conditions. This analysis will help in temperature prediction and establishing temperature reduction strategies that could potentially increase machining precision.