Study of an internal magnetic abrasive finishing using a pole rotation system - Discussion of the characteristic abrasive behavior

An internal magnetic abrasive finishing process using a pole rotation system was proposed to produce highly finished inner surfaces of workpieces used in critical applications. Previous research found that the process incorporating one of the characteristic behaviors of the abrasive, the jumbling of the abrasive, results in aggressive contact of the abrasive against the inner surface, disturbing the smooth surface finish. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to characterize the in-process abrasive behavior against the surface and its effects on the finishing characteristics and to describe the finishing mechanism. The magnetic force acting on the magnetic abrasive, controlled by the field at the finishing area, is considered the primary influence on the abrasive behavior against the inner surface of the workpiece. This study examines the relationships between the magnetic field, the force on the abrasive, and the abrasive behavior. The surface roughness and material removal measurements resulting from finishing experiments demonstrate the effects of the abrasive behavior on the surface modifications. This paper also proposes a method to monitor the in-process abrasive behavior to facilitate processing. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.