Process parameter optimization and anisotropy sensitivity study for abrasive belt grinding of nickel-based single-crystal superalloy

Nickel-based single-crystal superalloys (SXs) are used as materials for aero- and industrial gas turbine blades due to their superior high-temperature strength. However, SXs have low thermal conductivity, high hardness, and high working hardening, which significantly increase the machining difficulty. Improving machining performance has been a critical aspect that influences functional performance, including the fatigue life of the blades. In this study, preliminary comparative tests were performed for abrasive belt grinding of SXs to obtain better performance in terms of surface roughness (Ra), material removal rate (MRR) and abrasive belt wear rate (Bw). Two empirical models of the process parameters of abrasive belt grinding were established using response surface methodology (RSM), and the influences of belt speed (Vs), feed speed (Vw), and normal grinding force (Fn) on Ra and MRR were analysed. The Ra and MRR were optimized with multiple responses to balance the grinding quality and efficiency based on the desirability function method. Both the percentage error of the experiments and model prediction error are within a reasonable range of 5%. In particular, three typical crystal planes ((001), (110), and (111)) were prepared and used to study the grinding performance from the perspective of anisotropy sensitivity.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MEiN, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2022-2023)