Analysis of the rotary ultrasonic machining mechanism

In this paper, the movement of the abrasive particles in the tool tip of rotary ultrasonic machining is analyzed. The impact and grinding of the abrasive in the tool tip on the machined surface are considered as the main factors in the material removal rate. The crack propagation in rotary USM is investigated by using the theory of fracture mechanics. A mathematical model for the material removal rate is proposed in order to provide a theoretical basis for the analyzing of the process of rotary USM. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.