Forces prediction during material deformation in abrasive flow machining

To study the finishing mechanism of abrasive flow machining (AFM), theoretical model of forces acting on a single grain has been developed. An experimental research has been carried out by measuring the axial force, radial force and active grain density during the AFM process. Results obtained from theoretical model for grain–workpiece interaction during material deformation have been compared with the experimental data of force and active grains obtained during AFM. Scratching experiments have also been carried out to study the mechanism of material removal during the AFM process. The conclusions arrived by the analysis about the presence of rubbing and ploughing is in agreement with the experimental AFM and scratching results.