Effect of energy distribution on the machining efficiency and surface morphology of Inconel 718 nickel-based superalloy using plasma electrolytic polishing

Abstract

Inconel 718 nickel-based superalloys are important aerospace materials whose precision surfaces have important applications in key aerospace components. It is significant and challenging to obtain precise surfaces of Ni-based superalloys with high efficiency and quality. Plasma electrolytic polishing (PEP) is a rapidly developing high-efficiency and high-quality metal surface polishing process and is an application process for obtaining precise surfaces of superalloys. Research on the influence of vapor gaseous envelope (VGE) behaviors and the evolution process on the polishing effect remain insufficient, although the behavior of the VGE affects the machining efficiency and surface morphology of the superalloy. In this study, the evolution process of the VGE was analyzed and simulated using experimental and simulation methods. The effects of the VGE behavior characteristics on the surface morphology and polishing efficiency were explained from the perspective of energy distribution. The experimental results showed that a discontinuous and fluctuating VGE favored the removal of materials and finishing of the workpiece surface. When the voltage exceeded 400 V, the heat flux at the gas-liquid interface exceeded the critical heat flux, and the VGE evolved from bubbles to a vapor film which deteriorated the polishing effect. Finally, the voltage range for obtaining the precision surface of the superalloy was 250–350 V, while the temperature range of the electrolyte was 70–85 °C.