Future of the discrete element method in the modelling of grinding wheels

Purpose The granular structure of a grinding wheel determines its performance remarkably when grinding. Nowadays, grinding wheels are man-made porous conglomerates of hard abrasive grains bonded with a binder. As an engineered material, it would be interesting to foresee the behaviour of the wheel, but it is hindered under its complex heterogeneous nature. Recently, some models based on the discrete element method (DEM) have been presented to model the grinding wheel. This paper aims to identify and propose a framework that must comply with such models and to identify new applications for DEM models in grinding. Design/methodology/approach First, the characteristics of the grinding wheel are described. In this way, the framework of DEM models of a grinding wheel material is developed, reproducing both the granular morphology and stiffness. Findings The paper asserts a promising future that provides the DEM in the modelling of grinding. Originality/value The potential of DEM in grinding is analysed, proposing new applications. It can be used as topography model, which can also model the stiffness. In addition, DEM opens a new interesting research line: the modelling of the grit breakout. It draws up the development of essential dressing and wear models.