Application of Computer Simulation Technology in Grinding Temperature Field
October 10 10:07:50, 2025
Grinding is a widely used precision machining technique. In the study of grinding, due to limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms, the adjustment of the grinding process is often based on trial and error—relying heavily on the experience of operators. This is especially true for models that analyze grinding temperature, which are typically developed using single-factor approaches. However, with the advancement of computer technology, simulation has become a powerful tool in industrial applications. It brings new perspectives to the research of grinding theory, helping overcome the limitations of traditional methods and enabling deeper exploration of the grinding process.
Simulation allows for the prediction of a product’s behavior under real-world conditions by creating a virtual environment. This includes modeling, applying loads and constraints, and predicting responses under various scenarios. By observing these simulations, researchers can estimate the actual parameters and performance of the system being studied. With the help of computers, simulation technology makes it possible to explore how the grinding temperature field changes under different input parameters in complex processes, thus paving the way for further research into the grinding mechanism.
To model the grinding temperature field, the finite element method is employed. The entire temperature field follows the law of energy conservation, and the heat transfer equation is expressed as:
$$
\rho c \frac{\partial q}{\partial t} - \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(k_x \frac{\partial q}{\partial x}) - \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(k_y \frac{\partial q}{\partial y}) - \frac{\partial}{\partial z}(k_z \frac{\partial q}{\partial z}) - rQ = 0
$$
This equation is applied over the domain $ W $, which is bounded by three types of boundary conditions: Dirichlet (temperature specified), Neumann (heat flux specified), and convection (heat transfer with ambient). Using the finite element approach, the workpiece is divided into discrete elements, and thermal loads are applied accordingly. The temperature distribution is then calculated through iterative methods, considering both time and spatial domains.
As an example, dry grinding of a TC4 titanium alloy workpiece was simulated. Parameters such as wheel speed, workpiece speed, and grinding depth were set, and the resulting temperature field was visualized. The simulation results showed a significant difference between dry and wet grinding, with dry grinding leading to much higher temperatures—often exceeding 200–300°C. Wet grinding, on the other hand, maintained lower temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal damage. The simulation results closely matched experimental data, with an error margin of less than 10%, indicating its reliability.
In conclusion, computer simulation plays a crucial role in analyzing the grinding temperature field. It provides a more accurate and intuitive representation of temperature distribution, reduces errors from measurement tools, and helps optimize grinding parameters. This technology not only supports advanced grinding techniques but also lays the foundation for simulating the entire grinding process.