Finite element modelling of burnishing process

Burnishing is a process of finishing plane or cylindrical surfaces by plastic deformation. It employs a ball or rolling tool pressed against the workpiece. It does not only improve surface finish but also generates compressive residual stresses throughout the surface layers. In this study, a finite element (FE) modelling was performed to provide a fundamental understanding of the burnishing process on a carbon steel workpiece. The simulation results were focused on surface roughness, residual stresses and the influence of burnishing parameters (feedrates and penetration depth) on surface roughness and residual stress. The authors have noted that burnishing improves surface quality and introduces compressive residual stresses. These results were successfully compared with experimental data which were obtained some years ago by the authors.