An experimental investigation of affected layers formed in grinding of AISI 52100 steel

A systemic experimental investigation involving scanning electron microscopy, Vickers microhardness tester, X-ray diffraction, three-axis piezoelectric dynamometer, and thermocouple was carried out to analyze the affected layers formed in grinding of AISI 52100 steel. The formation mechanisms and properties of affected layer at different grinding conditions were investigated. It is found that the phase transformation, as well as retained austenite and white layer, can be formed at the grinding temperature below the nominal phase transformation temperature of the workpiece material. Mechanical effect associated with plastic deformation also can influence the white layer formation, and play an important role for the phase transformation of the ground workpiece. Furthermore, higher hardness and residual tensile stress are observed on the ground surface of hardened steel, but it shows residual compressive stress on the ground surface of annealed steel.