Optimization of surface grinding operations using a differential evolution approach

Selection of machining parameters in any machining process significantly affects production rate, quality and cost of a component. The present work involves the application of a newly developed global optimization technique called differential evolution to optimize the machining parameters of a surface grinding process. Wheel speed, work piece speed, depth of dressing and lead of dressing are considered as the process variables. Production cost, production rate and surface finish are evaluated for the optimal grinding conditions, subject to the constraints of thermal damage, wheel wear parameter and machine tool stiffness. An example is taken from the literature to compare the results obtained by the proposed approach with other approaches. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.