Title: Numerical simulation of single resistance-capacitance pulse discharge in micro electric discharge machining of Ti-6Al-4V

Authors: B. Kuriachen; Jose Mathew

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kerala 673601, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kerala 673601, India

Abstract: In this paper, two mathematical models based on heat transfer principle have been developed for the simulation of single resistance-capacitance pulse discharge in micro electric discharge machining of Ti-6Al-4V. Models are solved using finite volume as well as finite element methods in order to predict the size and shape of the single spark crater. It calculates the temperature distribution in the work piece and thereby predicts the size and shape of the single spark crater. The developed models were compared each other with the same operating parameters and assumptions. The trend predicted by the models were found to be same and in good agreement with a variation less than 6%. In order to validate the developed models, the crater shape from the predicted temperature of the models were calculated and compared with the experimental results. It was observed that both the models are in good agreement in predicting the crater shape.

Keywords: micro EDM; electric discharge machining; FEM; finite element method; finite volume method; FVM; Ti-6Al-4V; titanium superalloys; RC pulse discharge; numerical simulation; precision technology; electro-discharge machining; mathematical modelling; heat transfer; temperature distribution; single spark crater; crater shape.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTECH.2014.067745

International Journal of Precision Technology, 2014 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.176 - 191

Received: 04 Jul 2014
Accepted: 18 Dec 2014
Published online: 28 Feb 2015 *

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