Electrochemical machining of a convex strips structure on a revolving part by using site directed power interruption

Revolving parts with complex surface structures are widely used in machinery and mechanical equipment. The ECM process provides its adequacy to cut hard materials with different shapes, and its applications are widely increased, due to its outstanding advantages. In this paper, a new method for machining a convex strips structure on a cylinder by using site directed power interruption(SDPI) in the ECM process is presented. A variable correction value of the power-off time was defined and optimized to obtain the ideal interval for better machining accuracy and stability.The electric field distribution and the simulated convex profiles show that the stray current density can be reduced effectively by using the proposed method. The correction value has an important influence on the machining accuracy. A suitable correction value in the range of 0.6–1.2 s can effectively improve the machining accuracy of the convex strips structure. Experiments were also conducted to verify the proposed method. Results have confirmed that the stray corrosion on the convex strips surface is significantly reduced and the machining accuracy of convex strips structure is remarkably improved by using the proposed method with a suitable correction value in the ECM process. Finally, a convex strip with a height of 2 mm on a thin-wall revolving part was also produced successfully using a correction value of 0.9.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Aeroelastic two-level optimization for preliminary design of wing structures considering robust constraints

An aeroelastic two-level optimization methodology for preliminary design of wing struc- tures is presented, in which the parameters for structural layout and sizes are taken as design vari- ables in the first-level optimization, and robust constraints in conjunction with conventional aeroelastic constraints are considered in the second-level optimization. A low-order panel method is used for aerodynamic analysis in the first-level optimization, and a high-order panel method is employed in the second-level optimization. It is concluded that the design of the abovementioned structural parameters of a wing can be improved using the present method with high efficiency. An improvement is seen in aeroelastic performance of the wing obtained with the present method when compared to the initial wing. Since these optimized structures are obtained after consideration of aerodynamic and structural uncertainties, they are well suited to encounter these uncertainties when they occur in reality.     

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...     

Static Frame Model Validation with Small Samples Solution Using Improved Kernel Density Estimation and Confidence Level Method

An improved method using kernel density estimation (KDE) and confidence level is presented for model validation with small samples. Decision making is a challenging problem because of input uncertainty and only small samples can be used due to the high costs of experimental measurements. However, model validation provides more confidence for decision makers when improving prediction accuracy at the same time. The confidence level method is introduced and the optimum sample variance is determined using a new method in kernel density estimation to increase the credibility of model validation. As a numerical example, the static frame model validation challenge problem presented by Sandia National Laboratories has been chosen. The optimum bandwidth is selected in kernel density estimation in order to build the probability model based on the calibration data. The model assessment is achieved using validation and accreditation experimental data respectively based on the probability model. Finally, the target structure prediction is performed using validated model, which are consistent with the results obtained by other researchers. The results demonstrate that the method using the improved confidence level and kernel density estimation is an effective approach to solve the model validation problem with small samples.     

Determination of optimal samples for robot calibration based on error similarity

Industrial robots are used for automatic drilling and riveting.The absolute position accuracy of an industrial robot is one of the key performance indexes in aircraft assembly,and can be improved through error compensation to meet aircraft assembly requirements.The achievable accuracy and the difficulty of accuracy compensation implementation are closely related to the choice of sampling points.Therefore,based on the error similarity error compensation method,a method for choosing sampling points on a uniform grid is proposed.A simulation is conducted to analyze the influence of the sample point locations on error compensation.In addition,the grid steps of the sampling points are optimized using a statistical analysis method.The method is used to generate grids and optimize the grid steps of a Kuka KR-210 robot.The experimental results show that the method for planning sampling data can be used to effectively optimize the sampling grid.After error compensation,the position accuracy of the robot meets the position accuracy requirements.     

Calibration of a γ-Re_θ transition model and its validation in low-speed flows with high-order numerical method

Based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes(RANS)equations and structured grid technology,the calibration and validation of γ-Re_θ transition model is preformed with fifth-order weighted compact nonlinear scheme(WCNS),and the purpose of the present work is to improve the numerical accuracy for aerodynamic characteristics simulation of low-speed flow with transition model on the basis of high-order numerical method study.Firstly,the empirical correlation functions involved in the γ-Re_θ transition model are modified and calibrated with experimental data of turbulent flat plates.Then,the grid convergence is studied on NLR-7301 two-element airfoil with the modified empirical correlation.At last,the modified empirical correlation is validated with NLR-7301 two-element airfoil and high-lift trapezoidal wing from transition location,velocity profile in boundary layer,surface pressure coefficient and aerodynamic characteristics.The numerical results illustrate that the numerical accuracy of transition length and skin friction behind transition location are improved with modified empirical correlation function,and obviously increases the numerical accuracy of aerodynamic characteristics prediction for typical transport configurations in low-speed range.     

Adaptive block dynamic surface control for integrated missile guidance and autopilot

A novel integrated guidance and autopilot design method is proposed for homing missiles based on the adaptive block dynamic surface control approach. The fully integrated guidance and autopilot model is established by combining the nonlinear missile dynamics with the nonlinear dynamics describing the pursuit situation of a missile and a target in the three-dimensional space. The integrated guidance and autopilot design problem is further converted to a state regulation problem of a time-varying nonlinear system with matched and unmatched uncertainties. A new and simple adaptive block dynamic surface control algorithm is proposed to address such a state regulation problem. The stability of the closed-loop system is proven based on the Lyapunov theory. The six degrees of freedom (6DOF) nonlinear numerical simulation results show that the proposed integrated guidance and autopilot algorithm can ensure the accuracy of target interception and the robust stability of the closed-loop system with respect to the uncertainties in the missile dynamics.     

Electrochemical machining of complex components of aero-engines: Developments,trends, and technological advances

Because of several advantages, such as no tool wear, independence on the mechanical properties of the material, and high machining efficiency, electrochemical machining (ECM) has become a viable method for machining components in numerous industrial applications, particularly in the manufacture of typical aero-engine components with complex structures fabricated from materials that are difficult to cut. This paper highlights the current developments, new trends, and technological advances of key factors of ECM, such as electrochemical dissolution characteristics of novel difficult to cut materials which are often used in aero-engine, numerical simulation of electrochemical process, design for the complex profile and structure of cathode tool, flow field simulation and design for uniform electrolyte flow, and innovation of electrochemical machining or hybrid methods which reflect the state of the art in academic and industrial research on electrochemical machining in aero-engine manufacturing.     

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。     

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。     

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。     

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.     

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.