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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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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National Science Foundation
Purdue Research Foundation
Cummins Engine Company
Schlumberger
Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology