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.     

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.     

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.     

Experimental investigation of rotary sinking electrochemical discharge milling with high-conductivity salt solution and non-pulsed direct current

Electrochemical milling is a modified technique of traditional electrochemical machining (ECM) that can be used to manufacture some helicopter transmission system parts. The use of rotary tools and an inner-jet electrolyte supply pattern can greatly improve the material removal rate (MRR) in a single pass. However, the feed speed is generally limited to minimize the tool wear. To increase the MRR, electrical discharge machining (EDM) is introduced into the electrochemical milling process. The tool rotation is employed to interrupt the discharge and the high-conductivity salt solution and non-pulsed direct current power supply are also adopted to increase ECM, eventually, a new machining method is proposed, which can be called rotary sinking electrochemical discharge milling (RSECD milling). The mechanism of it is explored in this study by analyzing the machined current, MRR, surface morphology, and tool wear at different applied voltages and feed speeds. Besides, the RSECD milling using the tool with a larger diameter is also conducted to further verify the effectiveness. In particular, the MRR can be increased by 742.5% when using the tool with a diameter of 20 mm at the applied voltage of 20 V.     

(TiB+TiC)/TC4复合材料电解钻孔试验研究

钛基复合材料是一种典型的难加工材料,采用传统机械加工方法存在加工效率低和加工质量差等问题。利用电解加工技术,采用直径为10mm的管状阴极,对(TiB+TiC)/TC4复合材料进行电解钻孔加工试验研究。进行了(TiB+TiC)/TC4复合材料的电化学特性研究,测量了(TiB+TiC)/TC4复合材料在10%NaNO₃溶液中的极化曲线和电流效率。探究了加工电压、电解液压力对加工精度的影响。结果表明,当加工电压为30V,电解液压力为0.6MPa时,电解钻孔可以在1mm/min的进给速度下稳定加工。当加工的盲孔深径比为3.06时,孔的圆度误差为41.1μm,锥度为0.4°,具有较高的加工精度。     

电解加工发动机叶片阴极进给方向的优化

 超薄扭曲叶片由于叶型超薄、型面复杂、精度要求高, 目前主要以电解加工作为首选加工工艺。以某新型发动机叶片为研究对象, 对电解加工阴极的进给方向、毛坯装夹位置做了优化选择并对叶片型面采样点的法线方向与阴极斜向进给方向的夹角分布做了详细的阐述, 为阴极型面的设计打下了坚实的基础。     

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...     

Experimental research on electrochemical machining of titanium alloy Ti60 for a blisk

Ti60(Ti–5.6Al–4.8Sn–2Zr–1Mo–0.35Si–0.7Nd) is a high-temperature titanium alloy that is now used for important components of aircraft engines. Electrochemical machining(ECM) is a promising technique that has several advantages, such as a high machining rate, and can be used on a wide range of difficult-to-process materials. In this paper, orthogonal experiments are conducted to investigate ECM of Ti60, with the aim of determining the influences of some electrochemical process parameters on the surface roughness. The most important parameter is found to be the frequency of the pulsed power supply. It is found that using suitably optimized parameters for ECM can greatly decrease the surface roughness of a workpiece. A surface roughness of approximately 0.912 lm can be obtained with the following optimal parameters: Na Cl electrolyte concentration 13wt%, voltage20 V, pulse frequency 0.4 k Hz, duty cycle 0.3, temperature 23 °C, and anode feed rate 0.5 mm/min.Furthermore, blisk blades have been successfully processed using these optimized parameters.     

Trajectory control strategy of cathodes in blisk electrochemical machining

A turbine blisk, which combines blades and a disk together, is one of the most important components of an aero engine. In the process of blisk electrochemical machining (ECM), the sheet cathode, which is usually used as a tool electrode, has a complicated structure. In addition to that, the channel between the adjacent blades is narrow and twisted, so interference is apt to happen when the sheet cathode feeds into the channel. Therefore, it is important to choose suitable trajectory control strategy. In this paper, a new trajectory control strategy of the sheet cathode is presented and corresponding simulation analysis is conducted on the basis of an actual blisk model. The simulation results demonstrate that the sheet cathode can feed into the channel by a spatial line trajectory without interference. Moreover, the verification experiments are carried out according to the simulation. The experimental results show that the cathode can move into the channel without interference. It is verified that the new trajectory control strategy is correct and can be used in the blisk ECM process successfully.     

脉冲电流大厚度电解线切割加工试验

航空航天难加工材料直纹面构件的高精度高表面完整性加工已经成为制造领域普遍关注和亟需解决的难题,电解线切割加工在高表面完整性要求加工场合上具有原理性优势。建立脉冲电流电解线切割加工模型,分析了工件厚度变化带来的影响。试验结果表明：随着工件厚度增加,电解液电阻减小,工件两端极间电压减小,加工缝宽变窄;双电层时间常数增大,脉宽时间内充电所能达到的电位降低,有效加工时间变短,平均电流密度较低;脉冲频率大于20 kHz时,最大进给速度随频率增加而快速减小,低于20 kHz时,最大加工速度差别较小。最后,采用脉冲频率20 kHz,以进给速度4 μm/s稳定加工出20 mm厚榫头/榫槽结构,表面粗糙度约为0.449 4 μm,表面质量、加工效率明显高于100 kHz加工效果。     

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.     

PCD刀具车削不同颗粒含量SiCp/Al复合材料试验研究

碳化硅铝基复合材料具有优良的导热性、较高的比强度和比刚度,在航空航天领域具有广泛的应用前景。由于此复合材料中含有增强相,导致材料的切削加工性能变差。通过试验分析了不同颗粒体积分数(纳米级5%、微米级25%)SiCp/Al复合材料和切削参数(切削速度、背吃刀量、进给量)对刀具磨损和工件表面质量的影响,并对刀具磨损机理进行了研究。试验结果表明,车削微米级25%SiCp/Al材料时聚晶金刚石PCD(Polycrystalline Diamond)刀具磨损更严重,且工件表面质量更差。随着进给量和背吃刀量的增大,工件表面粗糙度值增大,刀片前刀面磨损严重;随着切削速度的增大,工件表面粗糙度值减小,刀片前刀面磨损量增大。选取本文切削参数进行SiCp/Al复合材料的切削加工时,发现刀具磨粒磨损、微崩刃是PCD刀具后刀面磨损的主要成因,且刀具前刀面也会产生积屑瘤。研究结果可为SiCp/Al复合材料PCD车削工艺的优化提供理论基础。     

铣削加工透波性Si3N4陶瓷表面质量研究

为了探索透波性Si3N4陶瓷铣削中加工表面创成机理及加工工艺参数对其影响规律,对加工表面形貌和边缘破损特征,以及加工参数与切削力、表面粗糙度、边缘破损的映射关系等开展了试验研究。首先对加工表面形貌进行了分析,由于存在陶瓷粉末去除和破碎性颗粒去除两种形式,造成加工表面形貌结构一种体现为变化平缓,而另一种包含微裂纹、层状结构体等,且存在凹坑、沟槽等缺陷。其次研究了边缘破损形式及产生机理,当刀具运动到出口棱边处,刀尖应力集中处将产生微裂纹,并向工件侧面扩展,从而在加工表面和加工侧面诱导形成边缘破损。最后基于均匀设计试验,分析了工艺条件对加工性能的影响。结果表明:随着切削深度从0. 2增加到0. 5 mm和切削宽度从1增加到4 mm时,x轴切削力呈耦合增长,y轴切削力呈二次方增长;当切削深度和切削宽度分别为0. 2 mm和1 mm、进给速度为500 mm/min时,加工表面粗糙度值最小;转速为2 000 r/min、切削深度和切削宽度最小时,边缘破损幅值最小。此结果可为提高透波性Si3N4陶瓷铣削加工质量提供技术支撑。     

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.     

中低速数控铣削参数优化技术研究及应用

采用平均铣削力系数模型对数控加工过程中的铣削力进行仿真预测.在此基础上,综合考虑数控加工过程中机床、刀具以及工件3方面限制加工效率的因素,对主轴转速、进给速度、径向切宽以及轴向切深4个参数进行优化.利用VC与Matlab编程,开发了"中低速数控铣削过程力学仿真与参数优化系统".针对航空难加工材料GH4169,在SandviK推荐参数基础上进行仿真优化.结果表明,基于力学仿真的数控铣削参数优化技术在难加工材料加工中可提高加工效率12%～378%.     

Electrochemical machining of burn-resistant Ti40 alloy

This study investigates the feasibility of using electrochemical machining(ECM) to produce critical aeroengine components from a new burn-resistant titanium alloy(Ti40), thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency relative to conventional mechanical machining.Through this, it is found that an aqueous mix of sodium chloride and potassium bromide provides the optimal electrolyte and that the surface quality of the Ti40 workpiece is improved by using a pulsed current of1 k Hz rather than a direct current.Furthermore, the quality of cavities produced by ECM and the overall material removal rate are determined to be dependent on a combination of operating voltage, electrolyte inlet pressure, cathode feeding rate and electrolyte concentration.By optimizing these parameters, a surface roughness of 0.371 lm has been achieved in conjunction with a specific removal rate of more than 3.1 mm3/A?min.     

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.     

阴极调速法测定电解加工ηω-i曲线特性的试验研究及其应用

镍基高温合金GH4169是航空发动机叶片的常用材料。为了精确获取GH4169的ηω-i曲线特性,采用调节阴极进给速度的新方法,实时控制加工间隙,使加工过程迅速过渡到平衡状态。利用阴极调速法开展了电解加工试验,经过计算得出ηω-i曲线。结果表明:当电流密度i小于6A/cm2时,ηω值趋向于0;当i大于50A/cm2时,ηω保持在1.28mm3/(A.min)不变。针对某航空发动机叶片,基于阴极调速法和恒速法测定的ηω-i曲线特性,分别设计了工具阴极,并开展了对比工艺试验研究。研究表明:根据阴极调速法测得ηω-i曲线特性设计的阴极,加工出叶片的复制精度明显提高,叶片精度整体提高0.03mm,证明该方法测定ηω-i曲线特性更加准确。     

Convergence Analysis of the Numerical Solution for Cathode Design of Aero-engine Blades in Electrochemical Machining

As a main difficult problem encountered in electrochemical machining （ECM）, the cathode design is tackled, at present, with various numerical analysis methods such as finite difference, finite element and boundary element methods. Among them, the finite element method presents more flexibility to deal with the irregularly shaped workpieces. However, it is very difficult to ensure the convergence of finite element numerical approach. This paper proposes an accurate model and a finite element numerical approach of cathode design based on the potential distribution in inter-electrode gap. In order to ensure the convergence of finite element numerical approach and increase the accuracy in cathode design, the cathode shape should be iterated to eliminate the design errors in computational process. Several experiments are conducted to verify the machining accuracy of the designed cathode. The experimental results have proven perfect convergence and good computing accuracy of the proposed finite element numerical approach by the high surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the machined blades.     

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.