AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY ON GRINDING OF SILICON-CARBIDE REINFORCED ALUMINUM-ALLOYS

This paper presents the results of an experimental research on the gri nding of metal matrix composites. The aim of the investigation is to e nhance the knowledge about the machinability of some aluminium alloys reinforced with SiC of different shape (powder or whiskers) and conten t. Investigations on chip morphology, ground surfaces and trend of for ces acquired during the grinding process were carried out. The results show that the presence of the reinforcement enhances the machinabilit y in terms of both surface roughness and lower tendency to clog the gr inding wheel, when compared to a non-reinforced Al alloy. Particle-rei nforced composites exhibit a linear relationship between the roughness of the ground surface and the average hardness of the material. Whisk er-reinforced composites show higher roughness values than particulate composites. Data of grinding forces obtained under different machinin g conditions are reported which permit the evaluation of the specific cutting energy. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd