Finite element thermal analysis of micro-EDM

Abstract

A finite element-based thermal model for the Micro Electro-Discharge Machining (µ-EDM) is developed for the determination of temperature distribution in the zone of influence of single spark. The model is able to predict the shape and size of the crater that is formed by single spark as a result of the material removal. The calculated crater radius result is verified by comparing them with experimental results available in literature. Energy partition is also determined using computational experiments. Parametric study for crater radius, crater depth, Material Removal Rate (MRR) and energy partition has been also done. It has been found that heat flux and input energy significantly affect energy partition value.