Modelling of the Crater Formation in Micro-EDM

A comprehensive electro-thermal model of micro-EDM has been used to simulate the crater formation process is presented. This model incorporates realistic machining conditions such as Gaussian distributed heat flux, temperature dependent thermal properties and expending plasma radius. The heat transfer equation and experimental measurements of a generated crater dimensions are used to determine the energy distribution fraction to the electrodes, a crucial parameter of the micro-EDM modelling. Simulation results show a good agreement with experimental results.