TABLE OF CONTENTS In the previous chapters, a critical evaluation has been presented of what we know about the grinding process. Quantitative models have been shown to provide a relatively clear understanding of the many diverse aspects of the process. But utilization of these models to predict or control what happens during a grinding process presents a daunting challenge because most of the models are interrelated and the process changes as grinding proceeds. This can be appreciated in a somewhat oversimplified way by considering the sequence of events in a typical grinding operation. For example, using the grinding models to understand what happens during a cylindrical grinding process might begin with selection of the grinding wheel, and then proceed to dressing of the wheel, implementing the cycle by infeeding the wheel into the workpiece, calculating the actual removal rate and machine deflection during the cycle, finding the corresponding forces and energy, considering wheel wear and dulling, calculating the temperatures and predicting possible thermal damage, estimating the roughness and roundness, proceeding to the next part with the used wheel, etc. Any attempt to apply grinding theory may seem like a hopeless task.
In order to address this challenge, simulation software has been developed which integrates the various models to predict what happens during a grinding operation. While some 'simulations' may deal with only a particular aspect of the grinding process [1], the present simulation considered here is intended to work as a virtual grinder to quantitatively replicate the many diverse and interrelated...
