Characterization of the Surface Texture Formed During the Machining of Ceramics

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a computer-based system to perform characterization of the surface texture formed during the machining of ceramic material. Techniques of image processing and computer graphics are employed to display vivid pictures of micro-scale details of the machined surfaces. Special attention is given to establishing the interrelations between the surface texture formation and the grain facet fracture induced by machining. Results obtained from microscopic analysis of the formed surface texture reveal that grain pullouts and cleavage, as a result of the progressive development of grain boundary micro-cracking, are two mechanisms responsible for the material removal process. The surface texture is an aggregation of macro and micro-scale fractured facets. A new performance index  cavity density is introduced to quantify the combinational effect of material microstructure and the dynamic loading during machining on the micro-mechanisms of the material removal process.