Thermophysical-Based Modeling of Material Removal in Powder Mixed Near-Dry Electric Discharge Machining

Abstract

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-conventional method of machining hard materials with intricate shapes. Near-dry electric discharge machining (ND-EDM) is an advanced method of EDM which is eco-friendly and is more efficient in terms of material removal rate (MRR) than traditional EDM. In this research, an approach has been made to perform a new electrical discharge machining operation on EN-31 steel which utilizes metallic powder as an additive along with a gaseous dielectric (for example air) in ND-EDM. This advanced method of machining is known as powder mixed near-dry EDM. This study involves modeling for output process parameter—Material Removal Rate. The mathematical model was developed using the approach of Gaussian heat distribution. FEM modeling was done on ANSYS WORKBENCH 16.0 module. The experiments were performed and comparative study was done between the results obtained by modeling and experiments. The maximum experimental MRR was 7.68 mm3/min, and the error percentage between experimental, mathematical and FEM was under 30%. It was concluded that the modeling was done successfully and results obtained do comply with the methodology of the research.