CAREER: Abrasive Flow Machining

本研究的目的是制定与磨料流加工（AFM）发展相关的平衡和综合的研究和教育目标。研究方向包括：(1)利用粘弹性载体的磨损机理和特性建立AFM的过程模型；(2)将声发射监测扩展到多通道和新材料；(3)研究AFM在立体光刻原型后处理加工中的潜在应用。在教育方面，将把合作学习方法纳入若干制造课程的课程，并将开发两门新课程，即高级计算机辅助工艺规划和具有环境意识的制造。研究和教育项目的成果将形成基于互联网的软件测试平台和入门手册，供教师、学生和工业工程师使用。对于能够处理复杂、精确几何形状的各种材料和各种加工条件的柔性精加工工艺，存在着至关重要的需求。事实证明，AFM在有限的应用范围内可以有效地满足这一需求。为了充分发挥原子力显微镜的应用潜力，必须开展全面的研究和教育工作，以发展必要的科学知识和技术基础。

The objective of this research is to develop balanced and integrated research and education goals related to the development of Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM). The research studies are to: (1) develop a process model for AFM utilizing wear mechanisms and characteristics about the viscoelastic carrier, (2) expand the acoustic emission monitoring to multiple passages and new materials, and (3) investigate the potential application of AFM for post-process finishing of stereolithography prototypes. On the education side, cooperative learning methodologies will be integrated into the curriculum for select manufacturing courses, and two new courses, Advanced Computer-Aided Process Planning and Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing, will be developed. Research and education program results will be formulated into Internet-based software testbeds and primers accessible to faculty, students and industry engineers. There exists a vital need for flexible finishing processes that are capable of handling intricate, precise geometries with a wide range of materials and in a variety of machining conditions. AFM has proven effective in fulfilling this need in a limited range of applications. A comprehensive research and education effort is essential to develop the necessary scientific knowledge and technology base of AFM to realize its full application potential.