An experimental investigation of air boundary layer flow in grinding using the laser doppler anemometry technique

Abstract

This paper reports on the motion of the air flow around a rotating grinding wheel based on LDA measurements. The results clearly show the velocity distributions and the turbulence intensity. The experimental results and conclusions give, for the first time, a full understanding of the air boundary layer velocity profiles. Outcomes of this work will help to optimise the design of fluid delivery systems. The grinding wheel rotates at relatively high speed and carries on its surface an air boundary layer flow. This flow may act to divert the grinding fluid stream and prevent it from entering the grinding contact zone resulting in elevated temperatures and reduced grinding efficiency. This has aroused interest and stimulated research in the study of the air boundary layer flow distribution around a rotating grinding wheel. However, a review of prior literature reveals conflicting experimental results obtained from previous investigations due to the use of different experimental measurement methods. Currently, the laser doppler anemometer (LDA) is one of the most effective tools in the measurement of fluid velocity compared with other conventional measurement instruments.