An equivalent model of horizontal vibratory finishing process: Model construction and analysis based on similarity theory

The manufacturing cost of parts and experimental equipment seriously limits the development of experimental research on mass finishing. To tackle this issue, an equivalent model construction method was proposed based on similarity theory. First, the similarity criterion of relevant physical quantities in horizontal vibratory finishing was determined, and the calculation formula of the distortion coefficient was derived to correct the prediction results. Second, the effects of vibration parameters on the characteristics and similarities of particle velocity and normal force were analyzed by DEM simulation. Finally, the validity of the equivalent model was proved by PIV and force tests. The results show that the equivalent model can be used to reflect the variation of the actual model and anticipate the particle velocity and normal force. And the prediction accuracy can reach 99.56 % and 97.46 %, respectively. The research results provide a new efficient and low-cost method for researching the mass finishing process.