What is a significant reason for the higher specific energy values in grinding compared to traditional machining?

The significant reason for the higher specific energy values in grinding compared to traditional machining is the size effect leading to smaller chip sizes. In grinding, the process involves the removal of material through hard abrasives that operate primarily at the micro-scale, leading to the generation of much smaller chips than typically produced in traditional machining operations. The formation of these tiny chips requires a greater amount of energy per unit of material removed, which contributes to the much higher specific energy values observed in grinding processes.

Additionally, the mechanics of grinding differ fundamentally from those of traditional machining, where larger and thicker chips are removed with comparatively lower energy requirements. The inherent properties of the abrasive materials and their interaction with the workpiece material further exacerbate this energy requirement, making it crucial to understand the impact of these micro-scale effects in grinding operations.