A continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model is proposed to predict grinding da
mage of ceramics. The model takes into account the inelastic behaviour of c
eramics, the effect of grinding induced by hydrostatic pressure and the cou
pling effect between volumetric and deviatoric deformations on damage. A nu
merical algorithm is proposed and a three-dimensional finite element progra
m is developed for the model. Damage is analysed for silicon nitride cerami
cs subjected to single grit grinding conditions. The damage predicted by th
e model shows good agreement to the measurement results obtained by experim
ents. The model can als be used to predict grinding damage for other types
of materials.