Analysis of chatter in contour grinding of optical materials

Chatter that limits ground surface finish has been observed in the deterministic microgrinding of brittle optical materials. In this article, the classical single degree of freedom model for chatter, accounting for both work and tool regenerative effects, is adapted for contour grinding optical surfaces. A linearized expression for the cutting stiffness is developed for the contour grinding geometry based on Preston's law. Techniques developed to measure the machine frequency response function (FRF) and the Preston coefficient, needed as inputs to the simulations, are described. Numerical simulations based on this model are used to predict the grinding system behavior and to investigate process parameters affecting chatter stability. The stability limits observed during grinding experiments on optical glasses are in good agreement with the simulation results. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.