Relative velocity and loose abrasive wear in conventional grinding machines

A model to compute relative velocity for arbitrary tool-work point pairs in conventional grinding machines is presented. This model is based on experimental data collected by means of an electronic system to measure kinematics variables in real time. Exact machine kinematics equations and an approximate equation representing upper disk rotational speed as a function of machine operation regime are introduced. With these equations, it became possible to calculate relative velocity among arbitrary tool-work point pairs. As a consequence, the amount of wear produced on optical elements, applying Preston's or Kumanin's abrasive wear equations, can be calculated.