Comparison of mathematical models for electric discharge machining

Material removal mechanism in Electric Discharge Machining is mainly a thermal phenomenon where thermal energy is generated in a plasma channel, and is dissipated through workpiece and tool electrodes. Tiny craters are formed over electrode surfaces where discharge is located and the material is melted, vaporized, and removed. There are several published mathematical models which describe the phenomenon of crater formation. The aim of this study is to examine some of these already published mathematical models with similar implementation tools so that a comprehensive comparison is possible. Eight models are considered and their crater profiles and volumes, material removal rates, and computation times are compared.