An improved chip-thickness model for surface roughness prediction in robotic belt grinding considering the elastic state at contact wheel-workpiece interface

The elastic state at contact wheel–workpiece interface is a critical issue during robotic belt grinding process that significantly influences the finishing profile accuracy. Establishing a reasonable undeformed chip-thickness (UCT) model that suits to this operation is considered a feasible approach to clarify the cutting mechanisms. In the present paper, an elastic state–driven robotic belt grinding chip-thickness model is established to predict the workpiece surface roughness. In this new model, the combined modulus of elasticity of the contact wheel is calculated according to the formula of Young’s modulus, and the exponent with respect to the effects of linear and nonlinear deflection is further determined based on the energy balance hypothesis. Experiments are conducted to verify the reasonability of the improved chip-thickness model from the perspective of surface roughness, and the findings are likely to clarify the differences in material removal mechanism between wheel grinding and robotic belt grinding essentially.