Experimental investigation on micro-grinding of SiCp/Al metal matrix composites

In this study, an analytical grinding force model has been presented for grinding SiCp/Al composites. Different from grinding force model of traditional materials, in this model, three force components are considered, namely chip formation force, frictional force, and fracture force respectively. In order to verify the model and study the special characteristics of grinding SiCp/Al composites, a series of SiCp/Al composite experiments are performed. The theoretical values coincide well with the experimental measurements, which is slightly smaller than the experimental measurements. In addition, the relationship between grinding force and processing parameters is revealed; the variation of grinding force with grinding depth a p and feeding velocity f v is obtained. The relationship between surface roughness and grinding parameters is also found that is similar to the grinding force. By observing the machined surface, a series of surface topography of SiCp/Al composites is found. The surface topography is related with the grinding parameters. The more feeding velocity and grinding depth are, the more uneven surface topography is. Finally, it is found that in the grinding of SiCp/Al composites, a common problem is the formation of voids and delamination on the machined surface, which is due to reinforced particles pulled out and aluminum matrix adhesion on the machined surface.