Experimental investigation on high-shear and low-pressure grinding process for Inconel718 superalloy

In this work, we reported a novel grinding method with high tangential grinding force and low normal grinding force using specially developed grinding tools. The tools were made of flexible composites based on the principle of liquid body armor and the shear thickening mechanism of non-Newtonian fluid. During grinding, abrasive particles are capable of generating a “hydro-cluster effects” under reverse tangential load, which lead to the decreased normal grinding force and the increased tangential grinding force. Hence, workpiece materials are removed under “high-shear and low-pressure” grinding mode. A serial of grinding experiments were carried out on Inconel718. The results showed that the novel grinding tool had an excellent grinding performance on Inconel718 workpieces. The value of surface roughness decreased from Ra 473.7 nm to Ra 153.0 nm under the optimal grinding parameters, i.e., wheel speed of 1 m/s, workpiece speed of 2000 mm/min, and grinding depth of cut of 180 μm. The surface defects of the Inconel718 workpiece were gradually removed. Meanwhile, the uniformed grinding textures were generated. The surface of the grinding tool had residual wear debris, and there was a little loss of grains after 240 grinding cycles.