Markov Chain Models of Grinding Profiles

Abstract

Profiles of abrasive surfaces are analyzed by means of Markov chain theory. The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations, together with recurrent-event theory, are used to deduce theoretical distributions for such important statistics as the distances between effective cutting points and the lengths of lands on a worn grinding surface. Both first-order and second-order Markov chains are examined for their applicability to a stochastic model of the grinding process.