Computational modelling of a precision optical lens polishing process on small radius spherical surfaces

A thorough understanding of the mechanics of contact and friction mechanisms is of great practical importance to the process of precision optical lens polishing. The present work is aimed at modelling the polishing process for spherical optical lenses with small radii (r=(5.50–8.85)×10−3 cm). A finite element technique (ABAQUS/Standard) was employed to perform the analysis. The results include information about the contact status during the polishing process, the polishing load distribution on the contact surface and the variation of the spatial polishing trace. The problem of the missing polishing zone on the workpiece is also discussed.