Numerical Analysis of Effects of Input-parameters on the Flushing Efficiency of Plasma Channel in EDM process

In the present study, the temperature distribution in the surface of workpiece during a single discharge has been simulated using ABAQUS code finite element software. The temperature dependency of material properties and the expanding of plasma channel radius by time have been employed in the simulation stage. The profile of temperature distribution has been utilized to calculate the dimensions of discharge crater. Based on the results of FEM and the experimental observations a numerical analysis has been developed assessing the contribution of input-parameters on the efficiency of plasma channel in removing the molten material from molten puddle on the workpiece at the end of each discharge in the EDM process. The results showed that plasma flushing efficiency increase as the pulse current increases, but decreases as the pulse on-time increases.

Keywords:

Electrical discharge machining , Thermal modeling , Plasma flushing efficiency , Numerical Analysis