Characterization of plasma in micro-EDM discharge using optical spectroscopy

Nagahanumaiah, Janakarajan Ramkumar, Nick Glumac, Shiv G. Kapoor, Richard E. Devor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents the spectroscopic measurement of temperature and electron density in the microEDM (micro electric discharge machining: μ-EDM) process. A systematic study using L-18 orthogonal array experiments based on theTaguchi method is conducted to understand the effect of varying process parameters including voltage, current, spark gap and electrode size on the plasma characteristics. The line pair method and the Stark broadening of the Hβ spectral line are used to compute plasma temperature and electron density, respectively. The spark gap and electrode size are found to have a significant influence on the plasma characteristics. The plasma produced by low-energy discharge in μ-EDM is more non-ideal, denser, and colder than the high-energy discharge plasma produced in the conventional EDM process. The interparticle distance is roughly equal to the Debye length [λ D), resulting in more electrostatic interactions between ions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)82-87
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Manufacturing Processes
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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