Development of a Rational Basis for Design of Advanced Brushing Tools

In this paper, issues that are relevant to the design of brushing tool systems are examined and discussed. First, a general framework for brush design is presented that can provide a basis for the synthesis of advanced brushing tools, that is, brushes having predetermined performance characteristics and service life. The proposed general design strategy utilizes an iterative procedure that is based upon applicative considerations, performance requirements, and geometric/materials issues that are peculiar to a specific brush system. Next, an analytical procedure is developed that can facilitate the design of brush stiffness and brush compliance properties. This aspect of the design problem is formulated on the basis of nondimensional parameters that are associated with a quasi-static, large-displacement mechanics analysis for brush/workpart interaction. Numerical examples are presented illustrating the use of this approach for the design of brushing tools that possess unique stiffness/compliance functions. Implications that this design capability can have on the development of advanced brushing processes, as well as product development and brush manufacture, are briefly discussed.