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Achievements
in LAM of Structural Ceramics |
Silicon Nitride
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Zirconia Ceramics
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Mullite
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Laser-Assisted Machining Research |
Objectives:
An ultimate objective is to provide a complete physical understanding of the LAM
process (applied to various materials) and the development of a complete thermo-mechanical
model which will enable its commercial application to machine ceramic parts to precise
specifications. Specific objectives of the research include:
- Determine the [LAM] machinability of silicon nitride, zirconia and mullite.
- Find operating conditions which globally optimizes the process, taking into account the
desire to:
- maximize material removal rate
- minimize sub-surface flaws
- minimize surface roughness
- minimize tool wear
- Determine the material removal mechanism for various workpiece materials.
- Determine the tool wear mechanism and tool wear rate for representative LAM conditions.
- Develop material constitutive models for structural ceramics (under investigation) for
stress, strain and strain rates representative of LAM.
- Develop transient, three-dimensional model of the workpiece undergoing LAM, including
internal radiation for semi-transparent materials.
- Understand the underlying physics of LAM.
- Develop guidelines to determine materials for which LAM is best suited.
- Develop an economic analysis to determine conditions for which LAM is a feasible
alternative to grinding.
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Research
Plan: The study of laser-assisted machining at Purdue is based on the simultaneous
experimental and numerical investigation of the process. The experiments and modeling
share a symbiotic relationship, as certain parts of one relies on results from the other (Schematic). This allows the underlying physics to be
determined while increasing the machining knowledge-base.
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Numerical Modeling
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LAM Experiments
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SPONSORS National
Science Foundation
Purdue Research Foundation
Cummins Engine Company
Schlumberger
Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology
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