inventions Article Grinding Fluid Jet Characteristics and Their Effect on a Gear Profile Grinding Process Philip Geilert 1, *, Carsten Heinzel 1,2 1 2 * ID and André Wagner 1 Stiftung Institut für Werkstofftechnik (IWT), Badgasteiner Strasse 3, D-28359 Bremen, Germany; heinzel@iwt.uni-bremen.de (C.H.); wagner@iwt-bremen.de (A.W.) MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, Bibliothekstrasse 1, D-28359 Bremen, Germany Correspondence: geilert@iwt-bremen.de; Tel.: +49-421-218-51184 Received: 26 September 2017; Accepted: 20 October 2017; Published: 25 October 2017 Abstract: Profile gear grinding is characterized by a high level of achievable process performance and workpiece quality. However, the wide contact length between the workpiece and the grinding wheel is disadvantageous for the fluid supply to the contact zone and leads to the risk of locally burning the workpiece surface. For the reduction of both the thermal load and the risk of thermo-mechanical damage, the usage of a grinding fluid needs to be investigated and optimized. For this purpose, different kinds of grinding fluid nozzles were tested, which provide different grinding fluid jet characteristics. Through a specific design of the nozzles, it is possible to control the fluid flow inside the nozzle. It was found that this internal fluid flow directly influences the breakup of the coolant fluid jet. There are three groups of jet breakup (“droplet”, “wave & droplet”, and “atomization”). The first experimental results show that the influence of the jet breakup on the process performance is significant. The “wave & droplet” jet breakup can achieve a high process performance, in contrast to the “atomization” jet breakup. It can therefore be assumed that the wetting of the grinding wheel by the grinding fluid jet is significantly influenced by the jet breakup. Keywords: profile gear grinding; grinding fluid; grinding fluid nozzle; jet breakup 1. Introduction and the State of the Art In grinding processes in general, a high risk of thermo-mechanical damage exists due to the kinematics of the abrasive grain in the contact zone as well as the large contact area between the grinding wheel and the workpiece. This can lead to residual tensile stresses and changes in hardness, which can have a negative effect on the lifetime of the component [1,2]. Especially in profile gear grinding processes, the large contact area between grinding wheel and workpiece makes it difficult to supply the grinding fluid to the contact zone. To avoid thermo-mechanical damage, in most cases, the supply of a grinding fluid is indispensable and typical in industrial applications. Due to a lack of experience in appropriately supplying grinding fluid in practice, high grinding fluid flow rates are normally chosen to achieve high process reliability. Experience has shown that the productivity of the process, workpiece quality, and tool wear can be influenced not only by the chemical composition of the grinding fluid, but also by the grinding fluid supply. In addition, large grinding fluid reservoirs are needed when high grinding fluid flow rates are used, because of the necessary cooling and settling phases of the grinding fluid. Furthermore, high grinding fluid flow rates and grinding fluid pressures result in a high level of aerosol pollution, necessitating an exhaust system to ensure the health of the machine operator [3]. Therefore, the aim should be to reduce the grinding fluid volume without affecting the workpiece quality and the material removal rate. Thus, a high performance grinding fluid supply becomes particularly important. Inventions 2017, 2, 27; doi:10.3390/inventions2040027 www.mdpi.com/journal/inventions Inventions 2017, 2, 27 2 of 11 Consequently, a grinding fluid supply should be developed on the basis of “as much as necessary—as little as possible” [4–7]. A nozzle contour that is adapted to the profile gear grinding wheel contour can considerably increase the efficiency of the grinding fluid supply. In addition, the jet velocity and the coherence of the jet are important in grinding fluid nozzle design. To break through the air belt surrounding the grinding wheel, an adapted jet velocity is necessary. When the circumferential speed of the grinding wheel and the velocity of the grinding fluid jet are nearly identical, the wetting of the grinding wheel increases. In contrast to widening jets, a coherent jet carries less air into the grinding contact zone, and a larger amount of grinding fluid flows through the grinding contact zone [8]. As a result of these adjustments, the grinding fluid flow rate can be significantly decreased without any negative effect on the workpiece surface. In addition, the nozzle also influences the jet characteristics and the jet breakup in particular. While studies have been conducted in the research fields of “atomization technology” and “combustion engines”, focusing on the nozzles and their jet breakup behavior, no research work is known that deals with grinding fluid nozzles and their influence on both jet breakup and the grinding processes. 2. Research Approach and Objective The aim of the presented work is to study the influence of the jet breakup on the grinding process. Therefore, the relationship between the nozzle designs and the jet breakup characteristics is analysed. Dimensionless numbers like the Ohnesorge number and the Reynolds number are used to classify the nozzles with regard to their jet characteristics. In a second step, it is attempted to establish a relationship between these theoretical investigations and the jet breakup characteristics, as well as the influence on the grinding process. Therefore, a gear profile grinding process is used and the nozzles are compared with regard to their influence on a thermo-mechanical damage of the workpiece. This should provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the grinding fluid nozzle design, the jet breakup, and the grinding process. The gained scientific knowledge should allow grinding fluid nozzles to be designed for an optimal wetting of the contact zone in profile grinding. As a result, the performance and energy efficiency of gear grinding processes can be expected to increase. 3. Materials and Methods In the following, the theoretical backgrounds for designing grinding fluid nozzles, as well as the different nozzles used for the experimental investigations are described. This is followed by a description of the methods used to characterize a fluid jet. Furthermore, the machine and workpiece used for the grinding experiments are specified, and the micromagnetic test for thermo-mechanical damage is also introduced. 3.1. Nozzle Designs A jet, which can normally be described by a cylindrical volume, decays because of the instability that is driven by capillary forces. This is known, amongst other things, as the Plateau-RayleighInstability. This effect explains how a jet decays into a particle chain as it progresses and breaks apart until it takes the form with the smallest surface energy, the droplet [9]. In this context, three dimensionless numbers are important to characterize a fluid jet. In particular, the jet breakup can be characterized in advance in the Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds number diagram. The jet breakup can be divided into three fields (“droplet” (a), “wave & droplet” (b), and “atomization” (c)) (Figure 1) [9,10]. Due to the high jet velocity, the fields (b)] and (c) are of importance for grinding fluid nozzles. The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless number that is used to predict the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 3 of 11 Inventions 2017, 2, 27 = ∙ ∙ 3 of 11 (1) : oil density [g/cm³] ρ·v: ·mean velocity[m/s] DH Re = η : oil : hydraulic diameter[mm] dynamilc viscosity [Pa ∙ s] (1) ρ : oil density g/cm3 v : mean velocity[m/s] The Ohnesorge number (Oh) diameter relates the viscous forces to theviscosity inertial and tension forces: DH : hydraulic dynamilc s] [mm ] η : oil [Pa·surface The Ohnesorge number (Oh) relates the viscous forces√to the inertial and surface tension forces: ℎ= = √ ∙ ∙ (2) η We = Re Oh = √ D H ·ρ·σ (2) : oil surface tension[kg/s²] σ : oil surface tension kg/s2 Thereby, it provides information about the characterization of the fluid atomization. The lower Thereby, it number, providesthe information about the characterization of theforces. fluid atomization. Themost lower the Ohnesorge weaker the friction losses due to viscous This means that of the number, the weaker the friction losses dueand to viscous forces. means that mostthe of theOhnesorge inserted energy converts into surface tension energy a droplet can beThis formed. The higher the inserted number, energy converts into surface tension energy and a droplet can be formed. higher the Ohnesorge the more dominant is the internal viscous dissipation and the The droplet decays Ohnesorge number, the[9,10]. more dominant is the internal viscous dissipation and the droplet decays into into smaller particles smaller particles [9,10]. The Ohnesorge number can be expressed as the square root of the Weber number divided by The Ohnesorge number can(2). be expressed the square root of the Weber divided the Reynolds number (Equation The Weberas number is described in terms ofnumber the inertia force, by, the Reynolds number : The Weber number is described in terms of the inertia force, Fρ , divided by the surface(Equation tension, (2). divided by the surface tension, Fσ : ∙ ²∙ (3) = Fρ = ρ·v2 · D H = (3) We = Fσ σ Bymeans means of of the the Weber Webernumber, number,ititcan canbe beevaluated evaluatedhow howfar farthe thereal realshape shapeof ofaadroplet dropletdiffers differs By from a spherical shape. Thereby, it is a measure for the deformation of a droplet, which increases from a spherical shape. Thereby, it is a measure for the deformation of a droplet, which increases with with an increasing number. Therefore, the droplet will breakup into tiny an increasing Weber Weber number. Therefore, the droplet will breakup into more andmore moreand tinymore droplets droplets with an increasing Weber number [11]. with an increasing Weber number [11]. Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds number diagram 101 10-1 (b) (c) {1} (a) 10-1 category “wave & droplet” 10-3 101 10-2 10-3 103 103 105 jet breakup characteristics atomization wave & droplet droplet {2} {5} {4} 104 category “atomization” {3} 105 nozzle types {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} needle nozzle flat nozzle* 3D printed A solid stream nozzle* 3D printed B* *designed and built by IWT Figure Figure1.1.Ohnesorge Ohnesorgevs. vs. Reynolds Reynoldsnumber numberdiagram diagramand andjet jetbreakup breakupcharacteristics characteristics(after (after[10]). [10]). Inventions 2017, 2, 27 4 of 11 Based on this, grinding fluid nozzles {1–5} were chosen, which have an identical outlet crosssection and therefore provide the same average jet velocities (vjet = 35 m/s) at the outlet for the same Inventions 2017, 2, 27 4 of 11 flow rates (Qf = 100 l/min) (Figure 2). For comparison, the reference nozzle {r} was also investigated. This nozzleBased represents the current state of technology in the industrial environment. This nozzle on2, 27 this, grinding fluid nozzles {1–5} were chosen, which have an identical outlet Inventions 2017, 4 of 11 differs from the nozzles {1–5} in the grinding fluid flowrate (Qf (v =jet330 andoutlet in the cross-section and therefore provide the same average jet velocities = 35l/min) m/s) at the forjet thevelocity Based on to this, grinding nozzles werenot chosen, havenozzle an identical outlet (vjet = 12 m/s). the low jet fluid velocity, the jet does break up before it reaches grinding same flowDue rates (Q f = 100 l/min) (Figure 2). {1–5} For comparison, thewhich reference {r} wasthe also cross-sectionThis and therefore provide the average jet technology velocities (vin jet = 35 industrial m/s) at theenvironment. outlet for the nozzle represents the same current state of the contact investigated. zone. samenozzle flow differs rates (Q f = the 100nozzles l/min) (Figure 2).{1–5} For comparison, the reference nozzleand {r} was from in the grinding fluid flowrate (Qvs. f = 330 l/min) in thealso jetdiagram To This determine the positions for the{1–5} nozzles in the Ohnesorge Reynolds number investigated. nozzle thejetcurrent state in theup industrial velocity (vjet = This 12 m/s). Duerepresents to the low velocity, theofjettechnology does not break before itenvironment. reaches the and the characteristics of the jet breakup, the dimensionless numbers are calculated. The oil used This nozzle differs from the nozzles {1–5} in the grinding fluid flowrate (Qf = 330 l/min) and in the jet grinding contact zone. 2 , a dynamic viscosity of η = 8.035 Pa·s, and a density of has a surface tension σpositions =Due 0.03 kg/s velocity (vjet = 12of m/s). to for the low jet velocity, does not vs. break up before it reaches the To determine the the nozzles {1–5} inthe thejet Ohnesorge Reynolds number diagram 3 . Using the mean velocity and the hydraulic diameter in the nozzle, which are specific ρ = 0.837 g/cm grinding contact zone.of the jet breakup, the dimensionless numbers are calculated. The oil used has and the characteristics To determine forthe the nozzles {1–5} in theof Ohnesorge vs. diagram surface tension ofthe positions = 0.03and kg/s², a dynamic viscosity = 8.035 PaReynolds ∙ s, andThe anumber density of are = shown to eachanozzle, the Ohnesorge Reynolds numbers are calculated. results and characteristics of the velocity jet breakup, numbers arenozzle, calculated. used has 0.837 g/cm³. Using the mean and the the dimensionless hydraulic diameter in the whichThe areoil specific to in Figure 1. the a surface of = 0.03 kg/s², a dynamic viscosity of = 8.035results Pa ∙ s, are andshown a density of 1.= nozzle,tension the Ohnesorge and the Reynolds numbers are calculated. in Figure Foreach these settings, the nozzles can be classified into three The categories. The needle nozzle {1}, 0.837 g/cm³. thethe mean velocity the hydraulic in the nozzle, whichnozzle are specific to For theseUsing settings, nozzles canand be classified into diameter three categories. The needle {1}, the the flat nozzle {2}, and the three-dimensional (3D) printed nozzle A {3}, which are close to the area each nozzle, the Ohnesorge and the Reynolds numbers are calculated. The results are shown in Figure 1. flat nozzle {2}, and the three-dimensional (3D) printed nozzle A {3}, which are close to the area “atomization” the diagram (category “atomization”). The solid stream nozzle {4} and Forinthese settings, the nozzles can be“atomization”). classified into three categories. needle {1},3D theprinted “atomization” in the diagram (category The solid streamThe nozzle {4}nozzle and the the 3D nozzle Bprinted {5}nozzle arenozzle in {2}, theBand area “wave & droplet”, closeprinted to the area “droplet” (category “wave droplet”). flat the A {3},“droplet” which are close to“wave the&area {5} are inthree-dimensional the area “wave & (3D) droplet”, closenozzle to the area (category & “atomization” in generates the diagram (category “atomization”). Thewith solid stream nozzle {4} and the 3D droplet”). The {r} reference nozzle {r} generates a coherent jet breakup for the considered The reference nozzle a coherent jet with no breakup forno the considered conditions (category printed nozzle B {5} are in the area “wave & droplet”, close to the area “droplet” (category conditions (category “coherent jet”) at a rather small jet velocity far below cutting speed v c. “wave & “coherent jet”) at a rather small jet velocity far below cutting speed vc . droplet”). The reference nozzle {r} generates a coherent jet with no breakup for the considered conditions (category “coherent jet”) at a rather small jet velocity far below cutting speed vc. Figure 2. Differentconcepts concepts of supply nozzles. Figure 2. Different offluid fluid supply nozzles. 3.2. Characterization of Fluid Dynamic Aspects of Grinding Fluid Jets Figure 2. Different concepts of fluid supply nozzles. 3.2. Characterization of Fluid Dynamic Aspects of Grinding Fluid Jets The grinding fluid jet breakup was characterized with the help of high speed photography. A 3.2. Characterization of Dynamic Aspects of Grinding Fluid Jetsthe help of high speed photography. The grinding fluid jetFluid breakup was characterized with camera was used to take high resolution pictures (20.2 mega pixel) with an extremely short exposure A camera was used to take high resolution (20.2 mega pixel) with extremely short exposure The grinding fluid jet breakup waspictures characterized with the help highan speed photography. A time. pictures were illuminated from behind the grinding fluid jet,of whereby a flash illuminated was used toilluminated take resolution pictures (20.2 mega pixel) aneven extremely short exposure acamera translucent glass platehigh with an exposure time ofgrinding 1/60,000 s.with Thejet, illumination ofilluminated the time. The pictures were from behind the fluid whereby a flash time. The pictures were illuminated from behind the grinding fluid jet, whereby flashofilluminated background is transmitted the grinding fluid jet. s. The pictures with theatransmitted light a translucent glass plate with anthrough exposure time of 1/60,000 The even illumination the background a translucent glass fluid platejetwith anknowledge exposure to time of 1/60,000 s. The even illuminationnamely of the through the grinding allow be gained regarding the jet characteristics, is transmitted through the grinding fluid jet. The pictures with the transmitted light through the background through theofgrinding fluidand jet.the Thejetpictures the 3). transmitted light the widening is of transmitted the jet, the distribution the droplets, breakupwith (Figure grindingthrough fluid jet knowledge to beknowledge gained regarding the jet characteristics, namely namely the widening theallow grinding fluid jet allow to be gained regarding the jet characteristics, of the jet,thethe distribution of the thedistribution droplets, and jet breakup 3). (Figure 3). widening of the jet, of thethe droplets, and the(Figure jet breakup Figure 3. Measurement setup for high-speed photography. Figure 3. Measurement setup for high-speed photography. Figure 3. Measurement setup for high-speed photography. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 Inventions 2017, 2, 27 of 11 5 of5 11 The impact pressure of the grinding fluid jet was measured using a high resolution piezoelectric The impact pressure of the grinding fluid was measured using awas highdetermined resolution by piezoelectric sensor (measuring tip diameter: 1.0 mm). Thejetdistribution of pressure moving sensor (measuring tip diameter: 1.0 mm). The distribution of pressure was determined by moving the sensor through the grinding fluid jet (Figure 4, bottom right). A flow-optimized cover (Figure 4, thetop sensor thethe grinding fluid jetmeasurement (Figure 4, bottom right). A flow-optimized cover (Figure 4, right)through redirected jet behind the area, so that no deflected fluid could influence measurement. These allow for a area, bettersounderstanding of the distribution and thethe topthe right) redirected the jet measurements behind the measurement that no deflected fluid could influence size of the droplets inside the jet. allow Thus it to review the of category of jet breakup forsize the of measurement. These measurements forisapossible better understanding the distribution and the nozzles. the droplets inside the jet. Thus it is possible to review the category of jet breakup for the nozzles. Figure 4. 4. Experimental repeatabilityfor forimpact impactpressure pressure measurement. Figure Experimentalsetup, setup,scanning scanningprogram program and repeatability measurement. The sensor scanned the grinding fluid jet ten times on one line and measured the force at The sensor scanned the grinding fluid jet ten times on one line and measured the force at several several measuring points. The error bars indicate the min–max values (Figure 4, bottom left) and measuring points. The error bars indicate the min–max values (Figure 4, bottom left) and show show reproducible results. In addition to the distribution of pressure, the time sequences were reproducible results. In addition to the distribution of pressure, the time sequences were analyzed and analyzed and it was possible to obtain knowledge about the regularity and the height of the impact it was possible to obtain knowledge about the regularity and the height of the impact pressure of the pressure of the droplet chain. dropletThe chain. energy efficiency of the nozzles is evaluated with the static pressure within the pipe The efficiency the nozzles is evaluated with the static within the pipe directly directlyenergy in front of theofnozzle. The pressure is measured withpressure a calibrated digital pressure in front of the nozzle. The pressure is measured with aofcalibrated transmitter. The used silicon sensor has a resolution 0.1 bar. digital pressure transmitter. The used silicon sensor has a resolution of 0.1 bar. 3.3. Grinding Process 3.3. Grinding Process In the profile grinding experiments, pre-machined case-hardened gears were machined on a In grinding the profile grinding experiments, pre-machined case-hardened gearsof were machined on a gear gear machine (KAPP KX 500 FLEX), which enabled the machining gears with a diameter grinding machine (KAPP KX 500 FLEX), which enabled the machining of gears with a diameter of up to 500 mm as well as a module from m = 0.5 to 10 mm with conventional and superabrasive of uptools to 500 mm 5). as well as a module from m = 0.5 to 10 mm with conventional and superabrasive (Figure tools (Figure 5). The workpieces are helical gears. These gears are characterized by 47 teeth, a normal module of are helical These gears areangle characterized module mnThe = 4.5workpieces mm, a bevel angle of βgears. = −16.55°, a pressure of α = 24°, by and47a teeth, width aofnormal b = 65 mm. The of ◦ ◦ material is AISI 5120 and the gears are case-hardened and blast-cleaned. The gears have a hardness mn = 4.5 mm, a bevel angle of β = −16.55 , a pressure angle of α = 24 , and a width of b = 65 mm. 718 HV is and a case Chdcase-hardened of 1.13 mm. and blast-cleaned. The gears have a hardness Theofmaterial AISI 5120hardness and the depth gears are of 718 HV and a case hardness depth Chd of 1.13 mm. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 Inventions 2017, 2, 27 6 of 11 6 of 11 Inventions 2017, 2, 27 6 of 11 Figure 5. 5. Experimental Experimental setup setup for for grinding grinding tests. tests. Figure Figure 5. Experimental setup for grinding tests. For the micromagnetic test to characterize the thermo-mechanical impact on the ground tooth ForFor thethe micromagnetic test thermo-mechanical impact impacton onthe the groundtooth tooth micromagnetic testtotocharacterize characterizethe flanks, the Stresstech measuring device RollscantheR thermo-mechanical 300 and the Stresstech NC unitground GearScan 500 flanks, the the Stresstech measuring device Rollscan R 300 andand the the Stresstech NC NC unitunit GearScan 500 500 were flanks, Stresstech measuring device Rollscan R 300 Stresstech GearScan were used (Figure 6). These instruments enable a fully automatic testing of the gear. Hereby, a used (Figure These 6). instruments enable a fully automatic of the gear.of Hereby, a sensor moves were used6).(Figure These instruments enable a fully testing automatic testing the gear. Hereby, a sensor moves by means of NC-controlled axes on previously programmed tracks along the tooth sensor of moves by means of NC-controlled axes on previously programmed tracksflank. alongBarkhausen the tooth by means NC-controlled axes on previously programmed tracks along the tooth flank. Barkhausen noise was analyzed at the center of the right tooth profile. This automatic flank. was of analyzed the center theautomatic right tooth profile. Thisallows automatic noise wasBarkhausen analyzed at noise the center the rightattooth profile.ofThis measurement a high measurement allows a high reproducibility in comparison to manual tests. measurement allows a high reproducibility in comparison to manual tests. reproducibility in comparison to manual tests. Figure GearScan500 500ininuse useand andmeasurement measurement parameters. Figure 6. 6.GearScan parameters. Figure 6. GearScan 500 in use and measurement parameters. 4. Results and Discussion 4. 4. Results Results and and Discussion Discussion As explained below, the fluid dynamic investigations provide a characterization fluid As explained below, the dynamic investigations provide a characterization of of fluid jetsjets and Astheir explained below, thefluid fluid dynamic provide a characterization of fluid jets and breakup. Furthermore, the grindinginvestigations experiments show the impact of the jet characteristics their breakup. Furthermore, the grinding experiments show the impact of the jet characteristics on the andontheir breakup. Furthermore, the grinding experiments show the impact of the jet characteristics the grinding process. grinding process. on the grinding process. Characterization of Fluid Jets and Their Breakup 4.1.4.1. Characterization of Fluid Jets and Their Breakup 4.1. Characterization of Fluid Jets and Their Breakup Through the use of the above-described high-speed photography, the fluid jets of the different Through the use of the above-described high-speed photography, the fluid jets of the different Through the use of the above-described high-speed photography, jets of theofdifferent nozzles were characterized. A standardized measurement of the length ofthe thefluid coherent part the jet nozzles were characterized. A standardized measurement of the length of the coherent part of the jet nozzles characterized. A standardized of fluid the length of the coherent partlengths, of the jet lcoherentwere before atomization makes it possiblemeasurement to compare the jets. The results for these which are the average lengths measurements of each nozzle, areThe shown in Figure 7. lengths, lcoherent before atomization makesofitnine possible to compare the fluid jets. results for these which are the average lengths of nine measurements of each nozzle, are shown in Figure 7. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 7 of 11 lcoherent before atomization makes it possible to compare the fluid jets. The results for these lengths, Inventions 27 7 of 11 which are2017, the 2,average lengths of nine measurements of each nozzle, are shown in Figure 7. Figure 7. Characterization of fluid supply nozzles—coherent jet lengths. Figure 7. Characterization of fluid supply nozzles—coherent jet lengths. The jets of the needle nozzle {1}, the flat nozzle {2}, and the 3D printed nozzle A {3} decay within The jets of the needle nozzle {1}, the flat nozzle {2}, and the 3D printed nozzle A {3} decay within aashort shortlength. length.The Thethree threevalues valuesfor forthe thecoherent coherentlength lengthare aresimilar similarto toeach eachother, other,as aswell wellas asthe thevalues values in the Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds number diagram are closely matched. The dark areas in the photos in the Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds number diagram are closely matched. The dark areas in the photos show showmany manytiny tinydroplets, droplets,which whichadsorb adsorbthe thelight lightofofthe theilluminated illuminatedbackground. background.This Thisobservation observation points out that the three nozzles are comparable with regard to their position in the points out that the three nozzles are comparable with regard to their position in the Ohnesorge Ohnesorge vs. vs. Reynolds number diagram and generate an “atomization” jet breakup. This might be due to the high Reynolds number diagram and generate an “atomization” jet breakup. This might be due to the high turbulence thethe nozzle outlets, which is caused by theby high inside the nozzles. turbulencedirectly directlyat at nozzle outlets, which is caused themean highvelocity mean velocity inside the The solid stream nozzle {4} and the 3D printed nozzle B {5} have inner designs with optimized flow nozzles. The solid stream nozzle {4} and the 3D printed nozzle B {5} have inner designs with characteristics, significantly reduce the turbulence theturbulence nozzle outlet. This can explain the optimized flowwhich characteristics, which significantly reduceatthe at the nozzle outlet. This results for the longer coherent lengths of these two nozzles. For the evaluation of the coherent lengths, can explain the results for the longer coherent lengths of these two nozzles. For the evaluation of the only the respectively lower outlet was analysed, as defects in the 3D-printing outlet of were coherent lengths, only the respectively lower outlet was analysed, as defects of in the the upper 3D-printing the upper outlet were determined for the 3D printed nozzle B {5} (these defects result in a short coherent length for the upper outlet). The results again reflect the relationship between the positions in the Re-Oh-diagram, which are comparable for both nozzles {4} and {5}, and the coherent jet lengths for this category. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 8 of 11 determined for the 3D printed nozzle B {5} (these defects result in a short coherent length for the upper outlet). The results again reflect the relationship between the positions in the Re-Oh-diagram, Inventions 2017, 2, 27 8 of 11 which are comparable for both nozzles {4} and {5}, and the coherent jet lengths for this category. Apart the jet characteristics, the nozzles influence the measured pressure in the pipe directly in front Apart the jet characteristics, the nozzles influence the measured pressure in the pipe directly in offront the nozzle a constant flow rate (Figure For the a pressure of pnozzleof=p13.8 bar is of the for nozzle for a constant flow rate 7). (Figure 7). needle For thenozzle needle{1} nozzle {1} a pressure nozzle = measured, for 3D printedfor nozzle B {5} a pressure = 5.7 bar measured. nozzle {2}–{4} 13.8 bar iswhereby measured, whereby 3D printed nozzle Bof {5}pnozzle a pressure of pisnozzle = 5.7 barThe is measured. are between these values. These pressure values correlate in inverse manner with the coherent lengths. The nozzle {2}–{4} are between these values. These pressure values correlate in inverse manner with These different power in the nozzlespower generate a corresponding turbulence which correlates the coherent lengths.drops These different drops in the nozzles generateflow, a corresponding with the jet break turbulence flow,up. which correlates with the jet break up. ItItcan the five five nozzles nozzles {1–5} {1–5}can canbebeclassified classifiedinto into two categories canbe besummarized summarized that the thethe two categories “atomization” and the theresults resultsfor forthe thecoherent coherent lengths matches with “atomization”and and“wave “wave & & droplet”, droplet”, and jetjet lengths matches with thisthis observation.For Forthe the category “wave & droplet” greater values for coherent the coherent length can be observation. category “wave & droplet” greater values for the length can be reached reached than for the category “atomization”. than for the category “atomization”. Besidesthe theoptical optical jet jet characteristics, characteristics, the nozzles differ significantly Besides thefluid fluidjets jetsofofthe thedifferent different nozzles differ significantly fromeach eachother otherwith withregard regard to to the the temporal The impact pressure waswas from temporalcourse courseofofthe theimpact impactpressure. pressure. The impact pressure measured for a nozzle of each category. The results of the measurement for the reference nozzle {r} {r} measured for a nozzle of each category. The results of the measurement for the reference nozzle (category “coherent jet”), as well as for the needle nozzle {1} (category “atomization”) and the solid (category “coherent jet”), as well as for the needle nozzle {1} (category “atomization”) and the solid streamnozzle nozzle{4} {4}(category (category “wave “wave & & droplet”) stream droplet”) are areshown shownininFigure Figure8.8. ljet = 90 mm vjet = 35 m/s piezoelectric sensor probe wave & droplet vjet = 35 m/s {r} Min 3,65 mN min - Max max = 3.65 mN 2σ 1,18 mN 2σ = 1.18 mN time t [s] category “atomization“ needle nozzle 2 5 {1} , mN min - max = 11.46 3,76 mN == 3.76 mN 2σ 2σ 1 5 0 5 1 5 2 time t [s] impact pressure pimp [N/mm²] category “coherent jet“ reference nozzle impact pressure pimp [N/mm²] impact pressure pimp [N/mm²] vjet = 35 m/s *designed and built by IWT atomization category “wave & droplet“ solid stream nozzle* {4} min - max Min Max = 34.73 34,73 mN mN 2σ 8,93 mN == 8.93 time t [s] Figure of the thefluctuations fluctuationsininimpact impactpressure pressure different breakups. Figure8.8.Characterization Characterization of forfor different jet jet breakups. Thereference referencenozzle nozzle {r} {r} shows shows the pressure. This is due to the lowlow The the lowest lowestfluctuations fluctuationsininimpact impact pressure. This is due to the velocityand andthe thecoherent coherent jet. jet. Despite flow rate and thethe jet jet velocity of of jetjetvelocity Despitethe theequal equaland andconstant constantfluid fluid flow rate and velocity the solid stream nozzle {4}, as well as the needle nozzle {1}, the solid stream nozzle {4} shows the the solid stream nozzle {4}, as well as the needle nozzle {1}, the solid stream nozzle {4} shows the most most significant fluctuations in impact pressure. This can be explained by the distribution of the significant fluctuations in impact pressure. This can be explained by the distribution of the droplets, droplets, which is also shown in high-speed photos. The solid stream nozzle {4} generates a which is also shown in high-speed photos. The solid stream nozzle {4} generates a comparably long comparably long coherent grinding fluid jet that decays in the transitional area into relatively large coherent grinding fluid jet that decays in the transitional area into relatively large droplets, which droplets, which generates a greater impact pressure fluctuations than small ones. The fluid jet of the generates a greater impact pressure fluctuations than small ones. The fluid jet of the needle nozzle needle nozzle {1} shows an “atomization” breakup of the jet close to the nozzle outlet. The resulting {1} shows an “atomization” breakup of the jet close to the nozzle outlet. The resulting small droplets small droplets are distributed evenly and therefore generate only minimal fluctuations, as well as a are distributed evenlypressure. and therefore generate only minimal fluctuations, as well as a relatively low relatively low impact impactThe pressure. results show that grinding fluid nozzles not only have an impact on the widening of the jet as a function of jet velocity and flow rate, but also affect the jet breakup, the distribution of the droplets, and therefore the fluctuations in impact pressure. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 9 of 11 The results show that grinding fluid nozzles not only have an impact on the widening of the jet as a function of jet velocity and flow rate, but also affect the jet breakup, the distribution of the droplets, and therefore the fluctuations in impact pressure. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 9 of 11 4.2. Grinding Technology 4.2. Grinding Technology Different grinding fluid nozzles were applied that show different jet characteristics (“coherent Different grinding fluid nozzles were applied that show different jet characteristics (“coherent jet”, “wave & droplet” and “atomization”). In order to compare these types of nozzles, a grinding jet”, “wave & droplet” and “atomization”). In order to compare these types of nozzles, a grinding process was developed that was tested three times with the reference nozzle {r} to determine the process was developed that was tested three times with the reference nozzle {r} to determine the reproducibility. ForFor a practical process and aand fastareaching of the of process limit, the gears machined reproducibility. a practical process fast reaching the process limit, thewere gears were without pre-grinding in eight strokes and with a depth of cut a of 50 µm in each case. The dressing e machined without pre-grinding in eight strokes and with a depth of cut ae of 50 µm in each case. The conditions preciselywere adjusted to the requirements, so that an increasedso thermo-mechanical load dressing were conditions precisely adjusted to the requirements, that an increased of the surface layer could after grinding a few gear gaps. The results thermo-mechanical loadbeofachieved the surface layer could only be achieved after grinding only a for fewthis gearreference gaps. process are shown in Figure 9. The results for this reference process are shown in Figure 9. Figure Barkhausennoise noiseand andspindle spindle power power for the Figure 9. 9. Barkhausen the reference referencegear geargrinding grindingprocess. process. The courses of the spindle power in all three of the repetitions are similar to each other, and the The courses of the spindle power in all three of the repetitions are similar to each other, and the courses of the Barkhausen noise analysis are also closely matched. Hence, the repetition trials verify courses of the Barkhausen noise analysis are also closely matched. Hence, the repetition trials verify the reproducibility of the process. In order to compare the grinding fluid supply conditions for the the reproducibility of the process. In order to compare the grinding fluid supply conditions for the six nozzles, the limit for the thermo-mechanical damage were compared using Barkhausen noise. sixTherefore, nozzles, the damagefor were using Barkhausen noise. the limit limit for for the the thermo-mechanical thermo-mechanical damage the compared reference process was determined Therefore, theetching. limit for the thermo-mechanical damage for the reference process wasnoise determined with with nital When the nital etching indicates grinding burn, the Barkhausen value MP nital etching. When the nital etching indicates grinding burn, the Barkhausen noise value MP exceeds 3 exceeds 60. For the reference process, a specific removed material volume V′W of 345 ± 15 mm /mm 3 60.was Forremoved the reference specific beforeprocess, this limitahad been removed reached. material volume V’W of 345 ± 15 mm /mm was removed beforeonthisthe limit had been reached. Based above-described grinding process, as well as the method to detect Based on the above-described grindingnozzles process,were as well as the method to detect thermo-mechanical damage, all discussed analyzed. The values for thethermo-mechanical specific removed damage, all discussed nozzles were analyzed. The values for the specific removed material V’W , material volume V′W, before thermo-mechanical damage occurs, for each nozzle are shownvolume in Figure 10. thermo-mechanical damage occurs, for each nozzle are shown in Figure 10. before Inventions 2017, 2, 27 Inventions 2017, 2, 27 10 of 11 10 of 11 Figure 10. 10. Grinding Grindingtests—Influence tests—Influence of of the the jet jet breakup. breakup. Figure Using the reference referencenozzle nozzle{r},{r}, a specific removed material volume of =V′345 W = 345 ± 153mm3/mm Using the a specific removed material volume of V’W ± 15 mm /mm was was reached. result canattributed be attributed tomuch the much higher grinding flowrate f = 330 l/min) reached. ThisThis result can be to the higher grinding fluidfluid flowrate (Qf =(Q 330 l/min) and and the coherent the of nozzles of the“atomization” category “atomization” “wave & droplet”, a the coherent jet. Forjet. the For nozzles the category and “wave &and droplet”, a significant lower significant lower grinding fluid flowrate of Q f = 100 l/min and a higher jet velocity of vjet = 35 m/s was grinding fluid flowrate of Qf = 100 l/min and a higher jet velocity of vjet = 35 m/s was adjusted which adjusted which corresponds to the speed vc.nozzle With the the flat {2}, corresponds to the cutting speed vc . cutting With the needle {1}, needle the flat nozzle nozzle {1}, {2}, and the nozzle 3D printed 3 V′W and theA3D nozzle A {3} (category “atomization”), a specific removed volume of nozzle {3}printed (category “atomization”), a specific removed material volume of V’material W = 311–349 mm /mm 3/mm was achieved. The highest specific removed material volume 3 =was 311–349 mm of V′ W = 415–436 achieved. The highest specific removed material volume of V’W = 415–436 mm /mm was reached 3 mm was reached with the“wave nozzles ofdroplet”. the category “wave of and ofwith the with/mm the nozzles of the category and The results thedroplet”. grinding The tests results correlate grinding testslengths correlate with coherent lengthspositions of the jets andOhnesorge the calculated positionsnumber in the the coherent of the jetsthe and the calculated in the vs. Reynolds Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds number diagram. A longer coherent jet leads to a higher specific removed diagram. A longer coherent jet leads to a higher specific removed material volume. This might be due material volume. might be due to for a better wetting of the grinding wheel for a “wave to a better wettingThis of the grinding wheel a “wave and droplet” jet breakup. In conclusion, forand the droplet” jet breakup. In conclusion, for the optimized grinding fluid supply versus the reference optimized grinding fluid supply versus the reference fluid supply, the specific removed material volume fluid supply, thebe specific removed can {5} significantly increased to 26%//436 can significantly increased (up to material 26%//436volume mm3 /mm to 345 mm3be /mm {r}) with(up a simultaneous 3 3 mm /mmof{5} 345 mm /mm {r}) with a simultaneous decrease of to the330 grinding fluid rate decrease thetogrinding fluid flow rate (reduction of 70%//100 l/min {5} l/min {r}). For flow a reduced (reduction of 70%//100 l/min {5} to 330 l/min {r}). For a reduced grinding fluid flow rate (100 l/min), grinding fluid flow rate (100 l/min), an appropriate inner design of the nozzle alone can lead to an increase an appropriate inner designbyofup thetonozzle alone lead{5} toto an311 increase in the{1}). process performance by 3 /mm in the process performance 40% (436 mmcan mm3 /mm 3 3 up to 40% (436 mm /mm {5} to 311 mm /mm {1}). 5. Conclusions and Outlook 5. Conclusions and Outlook In the fluidic investigations conducted in this study, the grinding fluid jet and the jet breakup the fluidic investigations conducted in this study, the fluid jet and jet breakup wereIncharacterized by means of high-speed photography. Thegrinding impact pressure was the analyzed using were characterized by means of high-speed photography. The impact pressure was analyzed using a a high resolution piezoelectric senor. The grinding trials showed the impact of the jet characteristics on high resolution piezoelectric senor. The grinding trials showed the impact of the jet characteristics the grinding process. on theThe grinding process. grinding fluid jet characteristics considered here were divided into three different categories The grinding fluid& jet characteristics considered depending here were on divided into three different “coherent jet”, “wave droplet”, and “atomization”, the grinding fluid nozzle. categories “coherent jet”, “waveshould & droplet”, andbe“atomization”, depending the grinding fluid The different jet characteristics already taken into account when on designing a grinding nozzle. The different jet characteristics should already be taken into account when designing a fluid nozzle. The jet characteristics and breakup have a significant influence on how much of the grinding fluid nozzle. jet characteristics and breakup have a significant on how much workpiece volume can The be removed before thermo-mechanical damage occurs. influence With a higher jet quality, of the workpiece volume can be removed before thermo-mechanical damage occurs. With a higher jet quality, namely a breakup that is more “wave & droplet” than “atomization”, a higher specific removed material volume can be achieved by up to 40%. Inventions 2017, 2, 27 11 of 11 namely a breakup that is more “wave & droplet” than “atomization”, a higher specific removed material volume can be achieved by up to 40%. Further investigations using high-speed photography are planned to consider the interaction between the grinding fluid jet and the rotating grinding wheel for different types of jet breakup. This should deliver a better knowledge of the interaction and the efficient disposal of grinding fluid on the wheel and within the contact zone leading to a better grinding performance. In addition, the previous knowledge should be transferred to other grinding processes with higher grinding wheel circumferential speeds and complex contact conditions. Acknowledgments: The IGF-research project 18204/N of the FVA—Forschungsvereinigung Antriebstechnik e.V.—was part of the program Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung und—entwicklung (IGF) and was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (BMWi) via the Industrial Cooperative Research Associations (AiF). The authors express their sincere thanks to the collaborating industrial partners for the support of this research. Author Contributions: Philip Geilert and André Wagner conceived and designed the experiments; Philip Geilert performed the experiments and analyzed the data; André Wagner and Carsten Heinzel contributed to the analysis and the interpretation of results. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Brinksmeier, E.; Heinzel, C.; Meyer, L. Coolant supply conditions and their effect on the workpiece surface layer in grinding. Prod. Eng. Res. Dev. Ann. WGP 2001, 8, 9–12. Webster, J.A.; Cui, C.; Mindek, R.B., Jr. Grinding fluid application system design. CIRP Ann. 1995, 44, 333–338. [CrossRef] Rowe, W. 8-Application of Fluids. In Principles of Modern Grinding Technology, 2nd ed.; William Andrew Publishing: Boston, MA, USA, 2014. Kirsch, B. The impact of contact zone flow rate and bulk cooling on the cooling efficiency in grinding applying different nozzle designs and grinding wheel textures. CIRP J. Manuf. Sci. 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Prandtl—Führer Durch die Strömungslehre—Grundlagen und Phänomene, 13th ed.; Springer Vieweg: Karlsruhe, Germany, 2012. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).