Simulation of electrolyte behaviour of industrial electrochemical machining

Abstract

Development of simulation models for electrochemical machining (ECM) is a widely researched challenge to avoid the traditional trial and error process, with potential resulting advantages in terms of time, cost, and sustainability. To this objective, it is crucial to utilise software that can accurately simulate the complex multiphysics aspects of ECM without being too computationally expensive and with a fast set up. This paper investigates an alternative finite element software to model ECM for industrial production. The specific features of this software make it attractive for industrial applications, and in this work, it is validated as suitable to model the electrolyte characteristics of flow rate and pressure. The model developed is the basis for determining local changes to electrolyte conductivity, current density, and efficiency as a function of gap spacing optimisation in order to achieve the desired geometry with dimensional accuracy and assure process repeatability for industrial production. Simulation results are in agreement with the experimental ECM carried out as part of this work.