Authors: Guixian Liu Yongjun Zhang Yu Deng Hongyu Wei Chao Zhou Jiangwen Liu Hongping Luo
Publish Date: 2016/07/02
Volume: 89, Issue: 1-4, Pages: 407-416
Abstract
A new constrained flow mode was developed to improve the machining stability in pulse electrochemical machining PECM of micro channel arrays on metallic bipolar plate In electrochemical machining ECM the electrolyte flow field in the machining region is a key factor influencing processing stability and surface quality In this study a multifunctional cathode MFC was designed in the process which was prepared with casting molding method MFC acted as electrode as well as sealing device and isolating individual machining regions The channels of electrode were filled with elastic blocks which were tightly pressed against the surface of workpiece during process to separate the large machining region into multiple independent machining regions Therefore the machining area would have sufficient electrolyte and the flow field of each channel was independent from each other 3D flow field simulation was developed in this study to analyze the flow field of the channel arrays It indicated that multiple independent machining regions could effectively improve the velocity uniformity of each channel The experiments revealed that the uniformity of flow field had a positive role to prevent from spark discharge and short circuit as well as the machining efficiency and machining stability The channel arrays with 466μm depth were machined on SS304 metallic BP within 2 min
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