Simulation of erosions in a single discharge EDM process

A model developed for simulation of the electrical discharge machining processes was used to evaluate the importance of pulse waveforms. In a case study that involves a single discharge, periodical variations in both the spark pressure and spark temperature resulted in predictions that will be significant in the development of future commercial electrical discharge machines. The predicted oscillation in the temperature of the spark causes a repetitive increase and decrease in the size of anode melt-cavity. The multiple melting and resolidification of the anode surface is described to be effective in growth of the new, thermally protective surface layers detected by other researchers.