Study of surface integrity of ground bearing steel using Barkhausen noise technique

Abstract

An experimental study was undertaken to compare the role of process parameters on the grindability of bearing steel (unhardened and hardened) in conventional grinding domain with particular emphasis on surface integrity. Surface residual stress on the ground specimens has been assessed using X-ray diffraction technique and Barkhausen noise analysis. The aim of this article was to compare the applicability of Barkhausen noise analysis technique to assess the state of residual stress with simultaneous change in microstructure along with the formation of white layer, microhardness, the incorporation of plastic deformation, etc. The results indicate a significant effect of downfeed and work speed on surface integrity parameters like residual stress, microstructure, and microhardness. Residual stress varied in the present work over a domain of 50-700 MPa. Despite simultaneous variation in the microhardness, microstructure, and residual stress during grinding, a linear correlation could be established between Barkhausen noise parameters and residual stress. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2012.