The grant will support the acquisition of a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) surface grinder to support an existing grant in the area of creep feed grinding of Alumina and Zirconia ceramics with diamond wheels. Fundamental grinding parameters have been obtained to achieve stochastic characterization of unit load distribution and to provide quantitative analysis of the relative importance of the material removal mechanism either by fracture or plastic deformation. The CNC grinder will provide state-of-the-art equipment to conduct research in the optimization of the ceramic grinding process parameters, to achieve cycle times that are competitive with metal machining without sacrificing the strength of ground structural ceramics. The ultimate goal is to make ceramic grinding cost effective and to eliminate the need for secondary operations such as lapping to finish ground ceramic components. A study of wheel wear mechanisms in diamond wheels and the impact of wear on strength and surface integrity of ground ceramic components will also be conducted. This should help in formulating new compositions of diamond wheels.
