Abstract
Fluid jet polishing is a method of jetting a fluid to polish a concave or free-form surface. However, the fluid jet method is difficult to form a stable polishing spot because of the lack of concentration. In order to solve this problem, MR fluid jet polishing system using an abrasive mixed with an MR fluid whose viscosity changes according to the intensity of a magnetic field is under study. MR fluid jet polishing is not easy to formulate for precise optimal conditions and material removal due to numerous fluid compositions and process conditions. Therefore, in this paper, quantitative data on the factors that have significant influence on the machining conditions are presented using various simulations and the correlation studies are conducted. In order to verify applicability of the fabricated MR fluid jet polishing system by nozzle diameter, the flow pattern and velocity distribution of MR fluid and polishing slurry of MR fluid jet polishing were analyzed by flow analysis and shear stress due to magnetic field changes was analyzed. The MR fluid of the MR fluid jet polishing and the flow pattern and velocity distribution of the polishing slurry were analyzed according to the nozzle diameter and the effects of nozzle diameter on the polishing effect were discussed. The analysis showed that the maximum shear stress was 0.45 mm at the diameter of 0.5 mm, 0.73 mm at 1.0 mm, and 1.24 mm at 1.5 mm. The cross-sectional shape is symmetrical and smooth W-shape is generated, which is consistent with typical fluid spray polishing result. Therefore, it was confirmed that the high-quality surface polishing process can be stably performed using the developed system.