Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)

Laser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM) is promising in the processing of thin-wall parts, which avoids problems such as the weak stiffness of structures and thermal defects. However, while most studies focus on precision machining via LECM, few investigate the potential of this technique in m...

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Main Authors: Guangxian Li, Zhikun Su, Tingan Zhao, Wei Wei, Songlin Ding
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Metals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1390
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author Guangxian Li
Zhikun Su
Tingan Zhao
Wei Wei
Songlin Ding
author_facet Guangxian Li
Zhikun Su
Tingan Zhao
Wei Wei
Songlin Ding
author_sort Guangxian Li
collection DOAJ
description Laser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM) is promising in the processing of thin-wall parts, which avoids problems such as the weak stiffness of structures and thermal defects. However, while most studies focus on precision machining via LECM, few investigate the potential of this technique in macro-area processing. In this paper, the synergistic effects on the coupling of thermal field and electrochemical field on bulk material removal mechanisms in the LECM of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V are comprehensively analyzed experimentally and theoretically. According to the experimental results, LECM improved the material removal rate (MRR) by up to 28.6% compared to ECM. The induction of the laser increases local heating, accelerating the temperature rise of the electrolyte, eventually promoting the electrochemical reaction. The hydrogen bubble flow promotes overall heat convection between the electrode and workpiece, which facilitates the removal of the facial precipitates and increases the efficiency of electrochemical dissolution. Higher voltages and laser powers promote the formation of hydrogen bubble flow; meanwhile, they also aggravate laser energy scattering, limiting the overall machining efficiency. Additionally, laser irradiation causes the ablation and rupture of hydrogen bubbles, which weakens the bubble flow effect and ultimately decreases the material removal efficiency. This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the joint effects of the laser field and electrical field in LECM, and the findings can provide valuable insights for the optimization of LECM parameters in industrial applications.
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spelling doaj-art-04ba8668be2e4eb4ae84e8e0e46bb7412024-12-27T14:39:56ZengMDPI AGMetals2075-47012024-12-011412139010.3390/met14121390Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)Guangxian Li0Zhikun Su1Tingan Zhao2Wei Wei3Songlin Ding4School of Mechanical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaSchool of Mechanical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaSchool of Mechanical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaSchool of Mechanical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaSchool of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3082, AustraliaLaser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM) is promising in the processing of thin-wall parts, which avoids problems such as the weak stiffness of structures and thermal defects. However, while most studies focus on precision machining via LECM, few investigate the potential of this technique in macro-area processing. In this paper, the synergistic effects on the coupling of thermal field and electrochemical field on bulk material removal mechanisms in the LECM of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V are comprehensively analyzed experimentally and theoretically. According to the experimental results, LECM improved the material removal rate (MRR) by up to 28.6% compared to ECM. The induction of the laser increases local heating, accelerating the temperature rise of the electrolyte, eventually promoting the electrochemical reaction. The hydrogen bubble flow promotes overall heat convection between the electrode and workpiece, which facilitates the removal of the facial precipitates and increases the efficiency of electrochemical dissolution. Higher voltages and laser powers promote the formation of hydrogen bubble flow; meanwhile, they also aggravate laser energy scattering, limiting the overall machining efficiency. Additionally, laser irradiation causes the ablation and rupture of hydrogen bubbles, which weakens the bubble flow effect and ultimately decreases the material removal efficiency. This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the joint effects of the laser field and electrical field in LECM, and the findings can provide valuable insights for the optimization of LECM parameters in industrial applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1390laser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM)macro-area processingmaterial removal mechanismlaser–electrical coupled fieldshydrogen bubble flowrecast layer
spellingShingle Guangxian Li
Zhikun Su
Tingan Zhao
Wei Wei
Songlin Ding
Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
Metals
laser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM)
macro-area processing
material removal mechanism
laser–electrical coupled fields
hydrogen bubble flow
recast layer
title Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
title_full Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
title_fullStr Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
title_full_unstemmed Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
title_short Mechanism of Multi-Physical Fields Coupling in Macro-Area Processing via Laser–Electrochemical Hybrid Machining (LECM)
title_sort mechanism of multi physical fields coupling in macro area processing via laser electrochemical hybrid machining lecm
topic laser–electrochemical hybrid machining (LECM)
macro-area processing
material removal mechanism
laser–electrical coupled fields
hydrogen bubble flow
recast layer
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1390
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