Grinding performance and surface integrity of particulate-reinforced titanium matrix composites in creep-feed grinding

In order to better understand the grinding performance and surface integrity of particulate-reinforced titanium matrix composites (PTMCs) in creep-feed grinding, comparative grinding experiments have been conducted using three kinds of conventional abrasive wheels. The grinding force and grinding temperature, specific grinding energy, surface microhardness, and residual stress were measured and analyzed. In general, compared with the white alumina (WA) abrasive wheel and pink fused alumina (PA) abrasive wheel, the micro-crystal corundum (SG) abrasive wheel shows the best grinding performance in creep-feed grinding of PTMCs. The ground surface defects include the voids, debris, adherence, and grooves. A smoother ground surface is generated with SG abrasive wheel. The grinding-induced microhardness variation and residual stress is greatly influenced by the depth of cut in grinding. Usually, residual compressive stress could be produced on the ground surface of PTMCs in creep-feed grinding.