Fluid structure interaction of thin graphite electrodes during flushing movements in sinking electrical discharge machining

In sinking electrical discharge machining (SEDM) use of thin graphite electrodes with high aspect ratio sporadically results in geometrical errors. Empirically, such deviations have been attributed to the dynamic bending of electrodes arising from jump flushing movements of modern SEDM machine tools. Due to the process characteristics experimental in situ investigation of the occurring stresses and strains within the electrode appears disproportionately complex. Therefore, in this paper, bending effects are modelled taking into account fluid structure interactions. Results are validated by particle image velocimetry and high-speed camera recordings.