Multi-head design for ultrasonic impact grinding of cmcs

An ultrasonic impact grinding assembly comprises:

• a base comprising a mount for connecting a workpiece to the base;
• a first tool arm;
• a second tool arm, wherein the first tool arm and the second tool arm each comprise:
• a base end;
• a distal end;
• at least one joint between the base end and the distal end;
• and
• at least one actuator configured to move the at least one joint;
• a first ultrasonic impact grinding tool head connected to the distal end of the first tool arm;
• and
• a second ultrasonic impact grinding tool head connected to the distal end of the second tool arm.

A method for machining a workpiece comprising ceramic matrix composite, the method comprising:

• orienting a first ultrasonic impact grinding tool head relative to the workpiece such that a first tip of the first ultrasonic impact grinding tool head is positioned over a surface of the workpiece without contacting the surface of the workpiece;
• delivering, by a first nozzle, a first supply of particulate slurry between the surface of the workpiece and the first tip;
• vibrating the first tip along a longitudinal axis of the first tip to cause particles in the first supply of particulate slurry to vibrate and cut a first feature in the surface of the workpiece;
• orienting a second ultrasonic impact grinding tool head relative to the workpiece such that a second tip of the second ultrasonic impact grinding tool head is positioned over the surface of the workpiece without contacting the surface of the workpiece;
• delivering, by a second nozzle, a second supply of particulate slurry between the surface of the workpiece and the second tip;
• and
• vibrating the second tip along a longitudinal axis of the second tip to cause particles in the second supply of particulate slurry to vibrate and cut a second feature in the surface of the workpiece.