Simulation model of debris and bubble movement in consecutive-pulse discharge of electrical discharge machining

Debris concentration and bubble volume fraction in the bottom gap between the electrode and workpiece affect the state of consecutive-pulse discharge and the efficiency of electrical discharge machining (EDM). Thus, the mechanisms of debris and bubble movement during consecutive-pulse discharge should be elucidated. However, these mechanisms have not been fully understood because of debris and bubble movement in the machining gap are difficult to simulate and observe. This study proposes a three-dimensional model of flow field with liquid, gas, and solid phases for machining gap in EDM. The mechanisms of debris and bubble movement in the machining gap during consecutive-pulse discharge were analyzed through the model. Debris and bubble movement in consecutive-pulse discharge was observed through experiments. The results showed that the proposed simulation model is feasible. The bubble expansion is the main way that the bubbles exclude from machining gap. Much debris moves outside the machining gap following the excluded bubbles, which is the main way that the debris excludes from machining gap. The bubble expansion becomes strong with the increase of the discharge current and pulse-on time. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.