Atomic-Dislocation Model of Surface Layer Removal by Jet Electrolyte-Plasma Polishing

Abstract

This work is devoted to the development of a model for the removal of surface layers of anode material due to a jet electrolyte-plasma discharge formed by a hollow cathode. The results of studies of the main types of discharges that occur during the formation of jet electrolyte-plasma processing are presented. The influence of each type of discharge on the morphology of the surface layer of the anode-product was studied. The power, lifetime and energy of single discharges are estimated, and their influence on the surface is assessed. A theory has been proposed for the removal of surface layers by single discharges at the atomic dislocation level. Theoretical calculations are confirmed by the results of experimental studies and multiphysics simulations carried out in the COMSOL Multiphysics program. Practical research results confirm the possibility of reducing the roughness parameter Ra during jet electrolyte plasma by more than 20 times, while obtaining an extremely low parameter Ra of 0.019 μm. The area of application of the results of these studies may be the development of technological processes for dimensional and finishing processing of curved surfaces, such as blisks, turbine blades, and various products for household and medical purposes.