Wheel speed equilibria in precision contour grinding

In grinding operations, wheel speed significantly affects surface finish and chip thickness. The grinding wheel speed represents an equilibrium condition based upon the energy input by the grinding motor and the energy removed by the grinding process. An analysis of these energy relationships allows prediction of wheel speed and shows how it changes during grinding because of changes in chip geometry. The analysis also reveals that some wheel speeds are energetically preferred. Wheel speed measurements and images of ground surfaces corroborate the analytical predictions. The presence of narrow ranges of preferred wheel speed has implications for selection of grinding conditions and adoption of wheel speed control.