Progress in grinding mechanical modeling of fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites

Fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (FRCMC) have emerged as preferred materials in aerospace, nuclear energy, and other cutting-edge scientific and technological fields owing to their exceptional specific strength and modulus, as well as superior resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. Although FRCMC are prepared by molding techniques, some machining processes, such as grinding, are necessary to enhance dimensional accuracy and surface integrity, and are indispensable in the high-performance fabrication of FRCMC structural components. However, the innate material properties of high hardness and brittleness, coupled with structural characteristics such as anisotropy and non-homogeneity, pose challenges for efficient and low-damage grinding. The grinding force, serving as a crucial indicator for feedback and control in the production process, is influenced by synergistic effect of multiple parameters of the grinding process, such as wheel and workpiece geometry and kinematics. Therefore, elucidating the mechanical behavior of abrasive grains and work-pieces, and modeling the grinding force, are imperative for comprehending the processing mechanism and guiding efficient production practices. Based on this, the paper firstly analyzed the influence of material properties and grinding parameters on the interaction mechanism between abrasive grains and FRCMC during the grinding process. Secondly, the current research status of FRCMC grinding force prediction modeling was systematically reviewed. The modeling process of grinding force was analytically deduced from the grinding force of a single grain, the geometry of the grain, the geometric properties of the random distribution of fibers, and the criteria for determining the stage of material removal. Furthermore, it discussed the unique aspects of material removal mechanisms and grinding force modeling for ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding of FRCMC from the viewpoints of the chips shaping mechanism, the thickness of the undeformed chips, and the kinematics of the abrasive grains. Finally, the paper discussed current research gap, and identifies potential research hotspots. The objective is to formulate practical guidelines for low-damage grinding of FRCMC and establish a robust theoretical framework to advance grinding force modeling not only for FRCMC but also for other materials.