The objective of this project is temperature measurement in grinding using infrared sensors. Precision machining of ceramic and other hard materials is predominantly carried out by Diamond and Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) grinding. The high temperatures produced in the grinding wheel and workpiece is a topic of considerable interest because of its significant influence on the surface integrity, the mechanical and physical properties of the finished surface and wheel wear. A critical need is shown to exist for precise measurement of these temperatures. This project is directed towards measurement of wheel and workpiece temperatures in fine grinding and creep feed grinding using a new Indium-Antimonide infrared sensor. This sensor is of the non-contact type and has an excellent frequency response that is uniquely suited to measure even transient temperatures. By sensing the temperature of cutting points around the wheel, novel methods for adaptive control of thermal grinding damage in the workpiece and detection of wheel wear (wheel geometric errors) are proposed. The latter will enable in-process compensation of wheel errors in automated grinding systems. Besides, by studying the effect of various grinding fluids on wheel temperature, this sensor can be used to quantitatively and rapidly evaluate the performance of grinding fluids. The infrared sensor also offers enormous potential for temperature measurements in other machining and tribological situations.
