Assessment of Plastic Deformation Upon Grinding Using X-Ray Diffraction Profiles

X-ray diffraction (XRD) scan profiles of medium carbon steel ground samples were analyzed to assess the grinding induced plastic deformation. Broadening of XRD scan profiles with higher downfeed indicated the possible plastic deformation. XRD scan profiles were studied to measure full width at half maximum (FWHM) of profiles for assessment of plastic deformation at various level of downfeed. FWHM analysis revealed that FWHM increases with downfeed owing to plastic deformation. Grain size of deformed layers was also estimated using Scherrer equation to verify the results obtained through FWHM analysis. Grain size was observed to decrease with downfeed due to associated plastic deformation. Assessment of grinding induced plastic deformation using XRD profiles demonstrated the applicability of this new approach for qualitative measurement of surface integrity characteristics like microhardness and surface roughness. Microhardness measurement and surface roughness analysis of ground samples have been undertaken to confirm the results obtained by FWHM study.