Title: Grinding titanium aluminide: subsurface damage

Authors: Wes Stone, Thomas R. Kurfess

Addresses: The Kimmel School of Construction Management, Engineering and Technology, Western Carolina University, 161 Belk Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, 244 Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Building, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA

Abstract: This paper presents a study on subsurface damage induced during the surface grinding of titanium aluminide. As grinding occurs, workpiece temperatures rise at the interface between the grinding wheel and the workpiece. Three material properties – thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and Vickers hardness – are presented as functions of temperature, ranging from room temperature to 800°C. A theoretical model, based on moving heat source theory, is presented to predict maximum workpiece temperatures, followed by experimental results, using an embedded thermocouple technique, to validate the model. Finally, a model based on indentation of brittle materials is offered to predict the depth of plastic deformation during grinding, with experimental validation in the form of the bonded interface technique. The information presented in this paper adds to the knowledge base on titanium aluminide, which has the potential to become a key material in the aerospace industry, as well as many others.

Keywords: titanium aluminide; TiAl; surface grinding; subsurface damage; plastic deformation; thermal diffusivity; thermal conductivity; Vickers hardness; moving heat source; indentation; brittle materials; aerospace industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2007.014150

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.12 No.1/2/3, pp.200 - 224

Published online: 23 Jun 2007 *

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