Sinking EDM simulation by determining discharge locations based on discharge delay time

This paper describes the development of a sinking EDM simulation method by determining discharge locations. The simulation repeats the routine modelling of the process of each discharge consisting of determination of discharge location, removal of electrodes, generation and displacement of debris particles, and tool electrode feeding. The spot with the shortest discharge delay time calculated probabilistically assuming that an exponential distribution applies is searched for and this is determined to be the discharge location. The tool electrode feed is also determined based on discharge delay time like actual feed control. Electrode shapes and gap width distributions simulated for different working surface areas agreed with experimental results.