Proceedings of the 2000 Japan-USA Flexible Automation Conference
July 23-26, 2000, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2000JUSFA-13143
Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a nontraditional
finishing processes that works by forcing an abrasive-laden viscoelastic
polymer across the workpiece surface. AFM can simultaneously deburr,
radius and polish critical surfaces of precision components in
a wide variety of industries. One recent application which has
gained significant attention is the improvement of air flow and
fluid flow characteristics for injector nozzles and cast automotive
engine parts such as cylinder heads, intake manifolds and exhaust
manifolds. Previous research has demonstrated the viability of
acoustic emission (AE) monitoring of AFM using traditional AE
instruments and techniques. The root mean square (RMS) voltage
of the AE signal was found to be mainly determined by the material
removal and related AFM process parameters. However, this traditional
AE approach was found to have limitations when applied to air
flow applications of AFM. This paper reports on the development
of a new approach to AE monitoring and its application to the
AFM process. This approach builds on the fundamental sources of
AE in machining and uses results of modal analysis of AE signals
to monitor specific high and low frequency components of the AE
signal. Advantages of this technique over traditional methods
will be demonstrated for the AFM process.
To view the complete report click on http://www.unl.edu/nmrc/afmasme.htm
Return to DECI home page
Return to DECI Publications
Return to DECI Newsletters and Reports