The European Physical Journal Applied Physics

Table of Contents - April 2012 - Volume 58, Issue 01  

Surfaces and Interfaces

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

V. Topaa1, M. Purcara1 c1, A. Avrama1, C. Munteanua1, R. Cherechesa1 and L. Grindeia1

a1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, G. Baritiu Street 26-28, 400020, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract

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.

(Received December 08 2011)

(Revised February 20 2012)

(Accepted February 27 2012)

(Online publication March 23 2012)

Correspondence:

c1 e-mail: marius.purcar@et.utcluj.ro