Computer-aided design of high-performance grinding tools

This paper considers computer-aided design of high performance cylindrical grinding wheels. The finite element method has been used as the numerical tool to examine the influence of geometric shape and size of abrasive elements on the safe design of high-speed grinding tools. Conventional cylindrical grinding wheels an limited to low peripheral speeds due to the strength of the abrasive body. By replacing the centre section of the wheel with a stronger material and bonding abrasive segments to it, it is shown that a substantial increase in maximum operating speed is possible while maintaining the required margin of safety. Optimisation of the number and size of abrasive segments is considered as well as the material used for the reinforcing centre section. A new concept wheel is also presented that is used to increase the maximum operating speed even further.