This research is aimed at investigating the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging techniques to resolve micron sized surface flaws produced in ceramics materials during the finishing operation of diamond grinding. Flaws in the size range from 5-20 microns are currently not resolvable by existing nondestructive methods. The impact of this research, if successful, could be the development of a quality assurance method for use in the production of mechanically reliable ceramic components, as well as a useful characterization tool for gaining better fundamental understanding of ceramic grinding processes.
