Development and Characterization of Novel Engine-Oil-Based Media Gel for Thermal Additive Centrifugal Abrasive Flow Machining

The present investigation involves the development of a novel media gel based on SAE-40 grade engine oil for the thermal additive centrifugal abrasive flow machining process (TACAFM). The property to retain viscosity at higher temperatures makes engine oil suitable for the media in the TACAFM process where thermal energy due to spark formation plays a major role in material removal. The rheological behaviour and characterization of developed media gel are analysed using a rheometer, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The viscosity analysis shows that the proposed media would retain its viscosity at high temperature. The FTIR and XRD analysis highlights the hydrocarbon structure with crosslinking chain, which binds the media particle and abrasives during machining. The proposed media gel shows its compatibility with the TACAFM process.