3D FEM heat transfer simulation of surface grinding of cryogenic pre-cooled parts

Abstract

Cooling lubricants are used in grinding to minimize heat-related problems such as surface cracks, burn and tensile residual stresses. An alternative is the cryogenic cooling, where the cryogenics like LN2 are supplied at very low temperatures. The feasibility of different cryogenic cooling strategies depends on the workpiece volume-to-surface ratio. In this study 3D FEM heat transfer simulations are presented, which map the temporal and spatial temperature development, to assess the potential of LN2 pre-cooling when dry surface grinding. Different clamping strategies in terms of insulation are investigated simulatively and experimentally.It could be shown that clamping covers are required to maintain the cryogenic temperature in the workpiece during surface grinding due to their sufficient insulation. The temperatures during grinding of pre-cooled workpieces were successfully predicted by the developed FEM heat transfer simulation model.