Structural design of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer wheel for ultra-high speed grinding

Highlights: • Carbon fiber reinforced polymer bodyis optimally structural designed. • Study on laminate processes of carbon fiber reinforced polymer is carried out. • Works concerning optimal design of abrasive layer and bonding are conducted. • A carbon fiber reinforced polymer wheel for ultra-high speed grinding is developed. - Abstract: Ultra-high speed grinding (UHSG) is receiving considerable attention owing to its ability to achieve high machining accuracy and productivity. The materials and design of the grinding wheels play a significant role in this technology. Wheels with steel bodies are currently widely used, but have deficiencies such as a large mass loading imposing on the spindle, along with high power consumption, large stress and deformation, and limited practical grinding wheel speed. Wheel bodies made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) show promise for use in UHSG because of the low density and high specific strength of this material. The main aim of this paper is to carry out a structural design of a CFRP grinding wheel for UHSG. Comparisons of stress and deformation, dynamic characteristics, thermal deformation, and power consumption between steel and CFRP wheel bodies reveal the superior performance characteristics of CFRP. The design of the laminate structure of the CFRP is then optimized, considering various laminate processes. The abrasive layers are designed with regard to the number and thickness of segments. Finally, a CFRP wheel for UHSG is developed based on the design proposal.