Cathode design investigation based on iterative correction of predicted profile errors in electrochemical machining of compressor blades

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is an effective and economical manufacturing method for machining hard-to-cut metal materials that are often used in the aerospace field. Cathode design is very complicated in ECM and is a core problem influencing machining accuracy, especially for complex profiles such as compressor blades in aero engines. A new cathode design method based on iterative correction of predicted profile errors in blade ECM is proposed in this paper. A math-ematical model is first built according to the ECM shaping law, and a simulation is then carried out using ANSYS software. A dynamic forming process is obtained and machining gap distributions at different stages are analyzed. Additionally, the simulation deviation between the prediction profile and model is improved by the new method through correcting the initial cathode profile. Further-more, validation experiments are conducted using cathodes designed before and after the simulation correction. Machining accuracy for the optimal cathode is improved markedly compared with that for the initial cathode. The experimental results illustrate the suitability of the new method and that it can also be applied to other complex engine components such as diffusers.     

Convex shaping process simulation during counter-rotating electrochemical machining by using the finite element method

In counter-rotating electrochemical machining(CRECM), a revolving cathode tool with hollow windows of various shapes is used to fabricate convex structures on a revolving part. During this process, the anode workpiece and the cathode tool rotate relative to each other at the same rotation speed. In contrast to the conventional schemes of ECM machining with linear motion of a block tool electrode, this scheme of ECM is unique, and has not been adequately studied yet. In this paper, the finite element method(FEM) is used to simulate the anode shaping process during CRECM, and the simulation process which involves a meshing model, a moving boundary,and a simulation algorithm is described. The simulated anode profiles of the convex structure at different processing times show that the CRECM process can be used to fabricate convex structures of various shapes with different heights. Besides, the variation of the inter-electrode gap indicates that this process can also reach a relative equilibrium state like that in conventional ECM. A rectangular convex and a circular convex are successfully fabricated on revolving parts. The experimental results indicate relatively good agreement with the simulation results. The proposed simulation process is valid for convex shaping prediction and feasibility studies as well.     

Surface-improvement mechanism of hybrid electrochemical discharge process using variable-amplitude pulses

Superalloys are commonly used in aircraft manufacturing; however, the requirements for high surface quality and machining accuracy make them difficult to machine. In this study, a hybrid electrochemical discharge process using variable-amplitude pulses is proposed to achieve this target. In this method, electrochemical machining (ECM) and electrical discharge machining (EDM) are unified into a single process using a sequence of variable-amplitude pulses such that the machining process realizes both good surface finish and high machining accuracy. Furthermore, the machining mechanism of the hybrid electrochemical discharge process using variable-amplitude pulses is studied. The mechanism is investigated by observations of machining waveforms and machined surface. It is found that, with a high-frequency transformation between high- and low-voltage waveforms within a voltage cycle, the machining mechanism is frequently transformed from EDM to pure ECM. The critical discharge voltage is 40 V. When pulse voltages greater than 40 V are applied, the machining accuracy is good; however, the surface has defects such as numerous discharge craters. High machining accuracy is maintained when high-voltage pulses are replaced by low-voltage pulses to enhance electrochemical dissolution. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid electrochemical discharge process using variable-amplitude pulses can yield high-quality surfaces with high machining accuracy.     

Improving profile accuracy and surface quality of blisk by electrochemical machining with a micro inter-electrode gap

Electrochemical machining (ECM) has emerged as an important option for manufacturing the blisk. The inter-electrode gap (IEG) distribution is an essential parameter for the blisk precise shaping process in ECM, as it affects the process stability, profile accuracy and surface quality. Larger IEG leads to a poor localization effect and has an adverse influence on the machining accuracy and surface quality of blisk. To achieve micro-IEG (<50 μm) blisk finishing machining, this work puts forward a novel variable-parameters blisk ECM strategy based on the synchronous coupling mode of micro-vibration amplitude and small pulse duration. The modelling and simulation of the blisk micro-IEG machining have been carried out. Exploratory experiments of variable-parameters blisk ECM were carried out. The results illustrated that the IEG width reduced with the progress of variable parameter process. The IEG width of the blade’s concave part and convex part could be successfully controlled to within 30 μm and 21 μm, respectively. The profile deviation for the blade’s concave surface and convex surface are 49 μm and 35 μm, while the surface roughness reaches R_a = 0.149 μm and R_a = 0.196 μm, respectively. The profile accuracy of the blisk leading/trailing edges was limited to within 91 μm. Compared with the currently-established process, the profile accuracy of the blade’s concave and convex profiles was improved by 50.5 % and 53.3 %, respectively. The surface quality was improved by 53.2 % and 50.9 %, respectively. Additionally, the machined surface was covered with small corrosion pits and weak attacks of the grain boundary due to selective dissolution. Some electrolytic products were dispersed on the machined surface, and their components were mainly composed of the carbide and oxide products of Ti and Nb elements. The results indicate that the variable-parameters strategy is effective for achieving a tiny IEG in blisk ECM, which can be used in engineering practice.     

Simulation and experimental investigation on a dynamic lateral flow mode in trepanning electrochemical machining

An appropriate flow mode of electrolyte has a positive effect on process efficiency, surface roughness, and machining accuracy in the electrochemical machining(ECM) process. In this study, a new dynamic lateral flow mode, in which the electrolyte flows from the leading edge to the trailing edge, was proposed in trepanning ECM of a diffuser. Then a numerical model of the channel was set up and simulated by using computational fluid dynamics software. The result showed that the distribution of the flow field was comparatively uniform in the inter-electrode gap. Furthermore, a fixture was designed to realize this new flow mode and then corresponding experiments were carried out. The experimental results illustrated that the feeding rate of the cathode reached 2 mm/min, the best taper angle was about 0.4°, and the best surface roughness was up to Ra= 0.115 lm. It reflects that this flow mode is suitable and effective, and can also be applied to machining other complex structures in trepanning ECM.     

Electrochemical machining on blisk channels with a variable feed rate mode

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is an economical and effective method for blisk manufacturing and includes two steps: channel machining and profile machining. The allowance distribution after the channel machining will directly affect the profile machining. Therefore, to improve the uniformity of allowance distribution in the machining of channels, a method that incorporates a variable feed rate mode is developed. During the machining process, the feed rates are dynamically changed according to the needs of the side gap at the different feed depths. As a result, the side gaps at the different feed depths vary, contributing to a decrease in the allowance difference. In this study, the dissolution processes of a blisk channel are simulated using different feed rates, and prediction profiles are obtained. Based on the prediction profiles, the relationship among the feed rate, feed depth, and side gap is established. Then, the feed rates at different feed depths are adjusted according to the relationship. In addition, contrast experiments are conducted. Compared with blisk channel ECM using a constant feed rate of 1 mm/min, using the variable feed rate decreases the allowance differences in the convex and concave parts by 62.2 % and 67.4 %, respectively. This indicates that using the variable feed rate in the ECM process for a blisk channel is feasible and efficient.     

Investigation of anode shaping process during co-rotating electrochemical machining of convex structure on inner surface

A novel co-rotating electrochemical machining method is proposed for fabricating convex structures on the inner surface of a revolving part. The electrodes motion and material removal method of co-rotating electrochemical machining are different from traditional electrochemical machining. An equivalent kinematic model is established to analyze the novel electrodes motion,since the anode and cathode rotate in the same direction while the cathode simultaneously feeds along the line of centres. Acc...     

整体叶盘叶型电解加工流场设计及实验简

 电解加工（ECM）是航空发动机整体叶盘制造的主要技术之一,其电解液流场稳定性是影响电解加工精度和表面质量的核心因素。本文在分析原有的二维流场基础上,针对流体在不同流道截面下的流场状态,提出了一种三维复合电解液流场模式,即三股电解液分别从毛坯进气边、叶盆叶根、叶背叶根流入,由排气边交汇流出。采用有限元法对三维复合流场及两类二维流场开展仿真分析,分析结果表明三维复合流场改善了流道突变区域流场状态,有效抑制了二维流场的流场缺陷,有助于提高流场稳定性。对加工区液体流态进行了判断,其结果显示三维复合流场可以满足电解加工要求。开展了3种流场模式的加工速度比较实验,三维复合流场达到的进给速度最高,较二维流场可显著提升加工效率。采用三维复合流场开展了多叶片扇段加工,获得了较好的重复精度与表面质量。     

整体叶盘叶型电解加工流场设计及实验

电解加工（ECM）是航空发动机整体叶盘制造的主要技术之一,其电解液流场稳定性是影响电解加工精度和表面质量的核心因素。本文在分析原有的二维流场基础上,针对流体在不同流道截面下的流场状态,提出了一种三维复合电解液流场模式,即三股电解液分别从毛坯进气边、叶盆叶根、叶背叶根流入,由排气边交汇流出。采用有限元法对三维复合流场及两类二维流场开展仿真分析,分析结果表明三维复合流场改善了流道突变区域流场状态,有效抑制了二维流场的流场缺陷,有助于提高流场稳定性。对加工区液体流态进行了判断,其结果显示三维复合流场可以满足电解加工要求。开展了3种流场模式的加工速度比较实验,三维复合流场达到的进给速度最高,较二维流场可显著提升加工效率。采用三维复合流场开展了多叶片扇段加工,获得了较好的重复精度与表面质量。     

薄型中空电极振动电解切割TB6钛合金

TB6钛合金由于具有优越的性能,广泛地用于航空航天领域。然而从大余量的TB6钛合金锻铸件毛坯加工成复杂结构的零件,其加工效率低,刀具和机床成本高,造成了极大的浪费。为解决这一问题,提出了一种利用薄型中空电极进行快速大余量去除的电解加工(ECM)方法,即将零件与多余材料切割分离,有望较大程度提高加工效率,降低加工成本。为改善电解加工流场特性,提高加工精度,对电极施加振动,并对薄型中空电极的振动切割进行了建模分析和试验研究。试验结果表明,合适的振动幅值和频率(A=0.05mm,f=50Hz)可以使得各处电解液电导率趋于一致,从而提高加工的精度、稳定性和效率。复杂结构件的成功切割证明了薄型中空电极振动电解切割加工技术具有一定的适用性。     

Evolution of convex structure during counter-rotating electrochemical machining based on kinematic modeling

Counter-rotating electrochemical machining (CRECM) is a novel electrochemical machining (ECM) method, which can be used to machine convex structures with complex shapes on the outer surface of casings. In this study, the evolution of the convex structure during CRECM is studied. The complex motion form of CRECM is replaced by an equivalent kinematic model, in which the movement of the cathode tool is realized by matrix equations. The trajectory of the cathode tool center satisfies the Archimedes spiral equation, and the feed depth in adjacent cycles is a constant. The simulation results show that the variations of five quality indexes for the convex structure: as machining time increases, the height increases linearly, and the width reduces linearly, the fillets at the top and root fit the rational function, and the inclination angle of the convex satisfies the exponential function. The current density distributions with different rotation angles is investigated. Owing to the differential distribution of current density on workpiece surface, the convex is manufactured with the cathode window transferring into and out of the processing area. Experimental results agree very well with the simulation, which indicates that the proposed model is effective for prediction the evolution of the convex structure in CRECM.     

飞机机翼翼梁类零件变形控制方法研究

翼梁类零件作为机翼装配的定位基准零件,如何有效减小其在加工中的变形,提高加工精度是一项重 要工作。提出一种针对翼梁零件在加工过程中出现的平面度翘曲变形现象的控制方法,根据飞机机翼梁类零 件的工艺特点,对生产现场零件的实际变形量进行统计,分析翼梁类零件变形趋势、变形量及主要影响因素;采 用改进加工方案,控制加工变形等方法减少梁类零件变形。结果表明:本文所提方法能够有效提升零件在加工 过程中的平面度值,使梁类零件的变形得到明显改善。     

Machining fixture for adaptive CNC machining process of near-net-shaped jet engine blade

Low stiffness and positioning problems are difficulties and challenges in the precise machining of near-net-shaped blades. This paper aims to achieve high accuracy in manufacturing by fixture- and deformation-control in the adaptive CNC machining process. Adaptive CNC machining technology is first analyzed, and new fixture-evaluation criteria and methods to evaluate the adaptive CNC machining process fixture design are built. Second, a machining fixture is designed and manufactured after analyzing its positioning scheme, clamping scheme, materials (PEEK-GF30), and structure characteristics. Finally, the designed fixture is analyzed by FEA and experimentally verified by a cutting experiment. The results show that the deformation of the blade is an overall rigid-body displacement, the main deformation of the blade-fixture system occurs on the four clamping heads, and this fixture can effectively protect the blade from local deformation. The proposed clamping-sequence method reliably and effectively controls the local maximum deformation of the blade. The system stiffness is increased by 20 Hz, with each clamping force increased by 200 N. Both high- and low-frequency displacement in roughing milling or finishing milling are acceptable relative to the accuracy demand of blade machining. This fixture and an adaptive CNC machining process can achieve high accuracy in blade manufacturing.     

Analysis and control of inter-electrode gap during leveling process in counter-rotating electrochemical machining

The inter-electrode gap (IEG) is an essential parameter for the anode shaping process in electrochemical machining (ECM) and directly affects the machining accuracy. In this paper, the IEG during the leveling process of an oval anode workpiece in counter-rotating ECM (CRECM) is investigated. The variation of the minimum IEG is analyzed theoretically, and the results indicate that rather than reaching equilibrium, the minimum IEG in CRECM expands constantly when a constant feed speed is used for the cathode tool. This IEG expansion leads to a poor localization effect and has an adverse influence on the roundness of the machined workpiece. To maintain a small constant IEG in CRECM, a variable feed speed is used for the cathode based on a fitted equation. The theoretical results show that the minimum IEG can be controlled at a small value by using an accelerated feed speed. Experiments have been conducted using a specific experimental apparatus in which the cathode tool is designed as a combined structure of two sectors and a thin sheet. By detecting the machining currents flowing through the minimum IEG, how the latter varies is obtained indirectly. The results indicate that using an accelerated feed speed is effective for controlling the IEG, thereby improving the roundness of the machined workpiece.     

基于电解扫掠成形原理的整体叶盘叶根加工方法

采用片状或管状阴极电解加工(ECM)后的整体叶盘由于加工运动、阴极形状等原因在叶根处会形成一定的加工残留,影响整体叶盘的加工精度。针对叶片电解加工后形成的叶根残留,开展去除叶根残留电解加工方法的研究,解决叶根电解加工的阴极结构、加工路径设计等难题。首先,分析了叶根的残留分布情况以及叶间通道的结构,采用了电解扫掠成形加工方案。其次,设计了阴极结构与加工路径,在阴极结构上采用了扇形流道并分析了电解液流速分布,通过增加引流槽、改变倾角等措施改善了流场;对阴极的运动路径进行了规划,利用专用仿真软件对阴极运动干涉与加工程序进行了检验;通过附加叶盘转动补偿了由于不同截面内叶间通道宽度与阴极刃口尺寸不一致给加工带来的不足。最后,制作了电解加工装置并通过试验对叶根电解加工方法进行了验证。试验结果表明,该加工方法有效去除了叶根残留,加工表面质量好,加工精度达到了要求。     

Simulation and experimental investigation of inner-jet electrochemical grinding of GH4169 alloy

GH4169 alloy is one of the most commonly used materials in aero engine turbine blades, but its machinability is poor because of its excellent strength at high temperatures. Electrochemical machining (ECM) has become a common method for machining this alloy and other difficult-to-machine materials. Electrochemical grinding (ECG) is a hybrid process combining ECM and conventional grinding. In this paper, investigations conducted on inner-jet ECG of GH4169 alloy are described. Two types of inner-jet ECG grinding wheels were used to machine a flat bottom surface. The machining process was simulated using COMSOL software, and machining gaps under different machining parameters were obtained. In addition, maximum feed rates and maximum material removal rates under different machining parameters were studied experimentally. The maximum sizes and the uniformity of the distributions of the gaps machined by the two grinding wheels were compared. The effects of different applied voltages on the machining results were also investigated.     

Simulation of multi-axis grinding considering runout based on envelope theory

As one of the most important methods for machining process with high accuracy, ultra-precision grinding is widely used in fields such as aerospace, automotive and mold, etc. Simultaneously, it is common that wheel and spindle axis do not coincide with each other due to wheel settings, machining errors and so on. This could result in the generation of wheel runout, which may reduce the machining surface’s quality. In this paper, combining this phenomenon, an analytic algorithm method for the multi-axis grinding process is introduced according to the envelope theory. After that, the accuracy of this method is verified. Two experiments are carried out on a 5-axis machining center. The artificial runout is set up and calculated utilizing the least square method. Finally, using the presented method, two examples with and without runout are introduced to illustrate the validation of the proposed model. The error due to the runout effect is also analyzed.     

Electrochemical trepanning with uniform electrolyte flow around the entire blade profile

In the traditional machining process for diffusers, blades are easily deformed, and methods suffer from high tool wear and low efficiency. Electrochemical machining(ECM) possesses unique advantages when applied to these difficult-to-machine materials. In the ECM process, theflow field plays a crucial role. Here, an electrolyte flow mode that supplies uniform flow around the entire blade profile was adopted for electrochemical trepanning of diffusers. Various flow rates were employed to obtain the optimal flow field. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS software, and results indicated that increasing the flow rate substantially afforded a more uniform flowfield. A series of experiments was then performed, and results revealed that increasing the flow rate greatly improved both the machining efficiency and the surface quality of the diffusers. The maximum feeding rate of the cathode reached 4 mm/min, the blade taper of the concave part decreased to 0.02, and the blade roughness was reduced to 1.216 lm. The results of this study demonstrated the high feasibility of this method and its potential for machining other complex components for engineering applications.     

基于虚拟控制面约束的机匣类零件工序模型建立方法

在多岛屿特征机匣类零件的数控加工中,建立准确的加工工序模型是实现该类零件智能加工的关键技术。为了获得多岛屿特征机匣类零件准确的加工工序模型,提出了一种基于虚拟控制面约束的机匣类零件工序模型建立方法。首先,根据多岛屿特征机匣类零件的加工特征对建模过程中虚拟控制面约束的引入进行了分析,并结合虚拟控制面约束思想给出了拉格朗日超限插值的建模理论;然后,结合机匣类零件的几何特征确定了虚拟控制面的分布位置和几何形状的计算方法,在此基础上根据虚拟控制面建模理论构造了中间变形曲面,依据切削深度约束确定了工序模型,并对其进行了轨迹规划;最后,在一类多岛屿特征的机匣零件上对算法进行了验证,结果表明,本文方法能够根据机匣零件加工特征分布情况有效地控制工序模型的几何形状,避免了同时处理多个加工特征所导致的工序曲面过早趋于复杂现象,为多岛屿特征机匣类零件的数控加工提供有效的工序模型,一定程度上降低了该类零件数控加工的工艺规划难度。     

面向混合网格高精度阻力预测的熵修正方法

Roe通量差分分裂格式具有耗散小、分辨率高等特点,在亚跨超声速流场模拟中得到广泛应用,但空间离散时需要对Roe平均矩阵的特征值进行熵修正,使用熵修正会增大耗散,影响阻力的求解精度。本文针对非结构混合网格中Roe格式熵修正的特点,通过改进传统的Roe格式Harten-Yee熵修正方法,提出了一种可提高非结构混合网格黏性计算精度的Harten-Yee熵修正改进方法。利用改进后的方法,完成了DLR-F4翼身组合体算例的计算和对比分析,改进后的熵修正方法残差收敛特性与原始Harten-Yee熵修正一致,计算精度提高,计算结果和无熵修正时基本一致,说明改进后的熵修正方法既保留了使用熵修正带来的程序鲁棒性等优点,同时把熵修正对阻力预测精度的影响降到了最低,验证了方法的有效性。采用改进后方法对第3届AIAA阻力会议的计算模型DLR-F6翼身组合体进行了详细的模拟,分析了网格收敛性和雷诺数的影响。结果表明：改进的Harten-Yee熵修正,更加适用于非结构混合网格的黏性计算,计算精准度达到国际同类CFD软件水平,进一步验证了改进方法的可靠性。