Thermal distortion of the major elements of a cylindrical grinding machine

Calculations of the thermal deformations of complex structures such as machine tool frames are insufficiently reliable due to the large differences in the heat transfer coefficients. Therefore, the underlying theme presented in this work is a thorough experimental investigation of the thermal deformations of a cylindrical grinding machine in an effort to present simple equations that will provide the engineer with a few simple rules and ideas in order to minimise the problem. The cylindrical grinding machine chosen and the characteristics of the experimental procedure adopted have been related to the present industrial scene. The amount of heat generated is a function of operating conditions of the machine and therefore investigations have been carried out for the complete speed ranges both for the stable and unstable operating conditions. The machine has been thermally segmented and as a result not only has the relative grinding wheel/work axis movement been determined but the influence on this caused by either the grinding wheel movement or the work axis movement has been shown. In addition, the effect of the major machine elements on either the work or wheel axis movement has also been established. [Continues.]