Title page for ETD etd-050309-213832

Document Type thesis

Author Name Clark, Laura A

URN etd-050309-213832

Title Investigation and Optimization of a Porous Sintered Ceramic Material in a Grinding Application

Degree MS

Department Materials Science & Engineering

Advisors
Dr. Diran Apelian, Howmet Professor, Director of Metals Processing Institute, Advisor
Dr. Richard D. Sisson Jr., George F. Fuller Professor, Director of Manufacturing and Materials Engin, Department Head
Dr. Makhlouf M. Makhlouf, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Director, Aluminum Casting, Committee Member

Keywords
grinding application
alumina foam

Date of Presentation/Defense 2009-04-29

Availability unrestricted

Abstract
Porous sintered ceramic foam made of 99.8% Alumina (AL2O3) was investigated for grinding applications in metallic bearings. The properties of this alumina foam were investigated and correlated to the grinding performance in an I.D. grinding application. The mechanical properties, such as density and Young's Modulus, were correlated to grinding performance. The physical properties, investigated with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and a CT Scan, were used to study sintering behavior and porosity size and distribution. This work found an optimal friability and sintering temperature for the alumina foam grinding wheels. This will enable the alumina foam to become a viable grinding product and compete with the conventional vitrified products. This would be significant since the alumina foam has mainly one ingredient and is manufactured with a simpler process. It can also support a higher porosity than conventional grinding wheels, which has proven to provide better grinding performance and coolant access, keeping the work piece cooler and avoiding thermal damage.

Files
THESIS-final.pdf

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Document Type	thesis
Author Name	Clark, Laura A
URN	etd-050309-213832
Title	Investigation and Optimization of a Porous Sintered Ceramic Material in a Grinding Application
Degree	MS
Department	Materials Science & Engineering
Advisors	Dr. Diran Apelian, Howmet Professor, Director of Metals Processing Institute, Advisor Dr. Richard D. Sisson Jr., George F. Fuller Professor, Director of Manufacturing and Materials Engin, Department Head Dr. Makhlouf M. Makhlouf, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Director, Aluminum Casting, Committee Member
Keywords	grinding application alumina foam
Date of Presentation/Defense	2009-04-29
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Porous sintered ceramic foam made of 99.8% Alumina (AL2O3) was investigated for grinding applications in metallic bearings. The properties of this alumina foam were investigated and correlated to the grinding performance in an I.D. grinding application. The mechanical properties, such as density and Young's Modulus, were correlated to grinding performance. The physical properties, investigated with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and a CT Scan, were used to study sintering behavior and porosity size and distribution. This work found an optimal friability and sintering temperature for the alumina foam grinding wheels. This will enable the alumina foam to become a viable grinding product and compete with the conventional vitrified products. This would be significant since the alumina foam has mainly one ingredient and is manufactured with a simpler process. It can also support a higher porosity than conventional grinding wheels, which has proven to provide better grinding performance and coolant access, keeping the work piece cooler and avoiding thermal damage.
Files	THESIS-final.pdf