An analytic treatment of stresses and temperatures generated during grinding is presented from an elasticity approach. A two-dimensional heat conduction model employs an energy partition scheme in the grinding zone to produce realistic temperature profiles. By using the basic equations of thermoelasticity, the temperature profiles yield thermal stresses. An extension of the Hertzian contact theory yields mechanical stresses, which are then superimposed on the thermal stresses. Approximate plasticity corrections are used to approximate the deformation as the grinding wheel passes over the workpiece.

Subsurface results are qualitatively consistent with those found experimentally. However, they still do not agree with near-surface experimental results. Possible explanations and areas of further research are discussed.