Abstract
Inherent dynamic interaction between flexible disk and workpiece creates partially non-flat surface profile. A flat zone was defined using minimum depth of engagement. Several key parameters were defined to explain the characteristics of the zone. Process conditions including disk rotation speed, initial depth of cut and feed speed were varied to produce product profile database. Correlation between key factors was examined to find the characteristic dependencies. Trends of key parameters were displayed and explained. Higher flat zone ratio was observed for lower depth of cut and higher disk rotation speed. Ratio of minimum depth of cut against target depth of cut increased for higher feed speed and disk rotation speed but was insensitive to the depth of cut variation. The process transition was visualized by continuously displaying instantaneous orientation of the deflected disk and the location of key parameters were clearly marked for comparison.