Research on Plastic Removal Mechanism of engineering ceramics grinding with ultrasonic assistance

Plastic Removal Mechanism of engineering ceramics was discussed based on the method of micro-indentation, and the formula of critical wheel depth of cut and the model of material removal ratio were established. In comparison with traditional grinding, the experiment on the characteristics of ductile-regime grinding engineering ceramics with/without ultrasonic assistance were carried out using engineering ceramic Al2O3, zirconia-toughed alumina(ZTA) and nano-ZrO2 workpiece respectively. Experimental results showed that the material removal ratio in machining engineering ceramics with ultrasonic assistance was increased by one time. Meanwhile, the ductile-regime critical wheel depth of cut was up to 9–12μm and the surface roughness on ground workpieces was improved 1–2 grades. According to analysis of surface topography, grinding-induced cracks on Al2O3 workpiece were almost as a result of intercrystalline crack, while cracks on ZTA and ZrO2 workpiece were mainly owing to transcrystalline crack.