The research objective of this award is to establish a fundamental knowledge base of the micro ultrasonic machining process thorough rigorous analytical and experimental investigations aimed at an understanding of the mechanism of material removal, the range of machinable feature sizes, effect of machining parameters on the productivity and surface integrity of the machined process and the reliability of the process. Specifically, this work will result in a mechanistic model of the micro ultrasonic machining process based on abrasive-workpiece interaction; an extensive data base for material removal rates, tool wear rates, and surface damage, and software and hardware for static load monitoring.
This research will enable economic micromachining of a wide variety of electrically nonconductive and chemically inert, hard and brittle materials used in electronic, medical and automotive industries. Besides providing input to the ultrasonic machining process machine tool industry and its application, this research will enhance the undergraduate and graduate manufcaturing course content. This project will be used to nurture training and learning with in the underrepresented minorities. The project results will be shared with academia and industry though publications and presentations.
