Analysis and Optimization of Flow Field in Electrochemical Machining of the staggered groove on Gear Tooth Surface

Abstract

Self-lubricating gears can better adapt to the bad lubrication conditions without oil or oil scarcity. Staggered groove can be produced by Electrochemical machining (ECM) on the gear tooth surface to fill solid lubricating materials. The cathode with and without flow slot has been designed. Three basin models have been established which are forward flow mode, reverse flow mode and side flow mode. The gap flow field of ECM has been analyzed. It is determined that positive flow is a suitable flow mode. By optimizing the structure of the flow slot in the cathode, the deficiency of the forward flow field is improved.