Softness abrasive flow method oriented to tiny scale mold structural surface

Abstract

Tiny scale mold structural surface finishing is of high difficulty. In allusion to the problem, a new no-tool precision finishing method based on solid–liquid two-phase softness abrasive flow (SAF) is brought forward. By setting restrained component for the structural surface machined, the restrained flow passage is constructed. Using the wall effect of SAF, no-tool precision finishing for tiny scale structural surface can be realized. According to the Nikuradse’s experimental principles, the motion regulars of SAF are studied, and the friction coefficient formulas suited for SAF finishing are obtained. Taking U-shaped restrained flow passage as instance, standard k-e model and Euler multiple-phase model are used to describe the SAF flow field, and the kinetic model of SAF is established based on discrete phase model. Then, the variation trends of SAF turbulent parameters and flow passage pressure distribution with different inlet velocities are acquired by semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations consistent algorithm. Numerical simulation results derived that pressure attenuation of solid phase in flow passage is inversely proportional to inlet velocity, and the motion trails are disordered and stochastic, which are the sufficient conditions of SAF finishing. By analyzing pressure distribution and turbulent characteristics of SAF, the best finishing area in restrained flow passage is gained. Observational experiment of particles motion had been carried out; experimental results showed particles’ motion satisfied requirements of SAF finishing, and feasibility of SAF could be proved theoretically. SAF experimental platform oriented to module structural surface finishing is constructed, and the nano-level finishing can be realized. Experiment results show that SAF method can increase mold structural surface precision more than ten times, and the roughness machined in Ra value is less than 62 nm.