Analytical investigation of the motion of lapping particles

Abstract

AbstractLapping is a machining process that improves technical surfaces that require a high level of precision and accuracy. Smooth surfaces can be very important to avoid cracks in components exposed to high loads. During lapping, the workpiece is placed on the lapping plate with a complex relative movement between both parts. In the gap between both parts, the lapping fluid with abrasive particles is placed. The moving particles can deform or cut the material of the workpiece, and iteratively smooth its surface. With appropriate operating parameters, as fluid and particle material, size and proportion, very high quality surfaces can be achieved.To describe lapping processes, it is essential to understand the kinematics of the particles that influence the outcome of the manufacturing process, which can be accomplished by experiments, numerical studies and analytical approaches. Here we will investigate the kinematics of lapping particles analytically. Using a straightforward model, geometry‐dependent threshold values for the coefficient of friction can be found that significantly influence the system behavior. We expect that the findings will contribute to extending the knowledge of the underlying physics in the lapping process so that we can adapt it to specific requirements.