Simulation of the electrode shape change in electrochemical machining based on the level set method

• Published in: European physical journal. Applied physics Vol. 58; no. 1; p. 11301
• Main Authors: Topa, V., Purcar, M., Avram, A., Munteanu, C., Chereches, R., Grindei, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Les Ulis EDP Sciences 01.04.2012
• ISSN: 1286-0042; 1286-0050
• DOI: 10.1051/epjap/2012110461

This paper proposes a generally applicable numerical algorithm for the simulation of two dimensional electrode shape changes during electrochemical machining processes. The computational model consists of two coupled problems: an electrode shape change rate analysis and a moving boundary problem. The innovative aspect is that the workpiece shape is computed over a number of predefined time steps by convection of its surface with a velocity proportional and in the direction of the local electrode shape change rate. An example related to the electrochemical machining of a slot in a stainless steel plate is presented here to demonstrate the strong features of the proposed method.