Efficient evolution mechanism of electrolytic gas products from laser-assisted electrolyte jet machining

Efficient evolution of electrolytic gas products is one of the mechanisms for increased material removal rate in laser-assisted electrolyte jet machining. However, the evolution mechanism of electrolytic gas products with multiple energy fields in laser-assisted electrolyte jet machining is not clear. In order to quantitatively characterize the laser-assisted facilitation of the evolution of electrolytic gas products, a gas quantification and detection device was designed and built in this paper. Compared to traditional electrolyte jet machining, laser-assisted electrolyte jet machining of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy increased the gas production by 52 % in 180 s. For the anode, the surface modification induced by laser texturing reduces the oxygen evolution potential and surface free energy and promotes gas nucleation and detachment. In addition, laser-induced conductive plasma can enhance transient currents for electrolyte jet machining and cause machining vibrations. The cathodic gas discharge phenomenon was characterized in conjunction with interelectrode gap visualization experiments and cathodic nozzle damage. Experimental results show that cathodic gas discharge depends on strong electric field and high laser pulse fluence. In summary, laser temperature rise, anode surface modification, laser-induced plasma, plasma recoil and cathode gas discharge can all contribute to the evolution of electrolytic gas products.