Numerical study on the dynamics of an electrical discharge generated vapor bubble in EDM with different shapes of the tool and the workpiece

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of the shapes of the tool and the workpiece on the dynamic behavior of an electrical discharge generated vapor bubble in the process of EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) is investigated. The boundary integral equation method is employed for numerical simulation of the problem. Results show that in the case of the concave tool and workpiece the lifetime of the electrical discharge generated vapor bubble is longer than the case of the flat tool and workpiece. By increasing the concavity of the shapes of the tool and the workpiece, the lifetime of the bubble increases. Results also show that in the case of the convex tool and workpiece, the lifetime of the electrical discharge generated vapor bubble is shorter than the lifetime of the bubble in the case of the flat tool and workpiece. In this case also, by increasing the convexity of the shapes of the tool and the workpiece, the lifetime of the bubble decreases. Numerical results show that in the case of the concave tool and workpiece the rate of pressure drop on the surface of the workpiece is higher than the rate of pressure drop on the workpiece in the cases of the flat and convex tool and workpiece. The high rate of pressure drop on the surface of the workpiece leads to the ejection of more molten material from the crater and consequently leads to more material removal rate.