Investigation on shape-properties integrated fabrication of MF-WEDM for hierarchical superhydrophobic surface
摘要
In order to establish a shape-properties integrated digital twin framework for magnetic field assisted electrical discharge machining (MF-WEDM), this study developed a multi-scale wettability simulation model based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which directly correlates micro-morphological parameters of the surface with performance metrics, thereby enabling the direct simulation of virtual surface properties. Secondly, influences of the virtual surface roughness and waviness on the antenna of MF-WEDM were studied for the first time by using the constructed multiphase flow model, which provided a foundational basis for optimizing both process and texture parameters. Then, the textured surface characterized by orthogonal geometric parameters, including topline length, baseline length, waist width, and groove depth, was designed, and its wetting characteristics were simulated. The geometric structure of the texture was optimized based on the simulation results of the contact angle (CA) and the wetting state. Finally, a superhydrophobic surface with hierarchical structure was fabricated using MF-WEDM process in one step, and the simulation results were validated. The research results indicate that the unique rough surface formed by MF-WEDM can enhance the CA of TC4 surface from 79 to 113°, while appropriately designed submillimeter micro-grooves can further increase it to 151.3°, accompanied by a sliding angle (SA) of 8.6° as measured using small droplets (5 µL). The wetting states obtained from both LBM simulations and experiments are in complete agreement, with an average error of only 1.3° and standard deviation of 4.6° for the CA. The developed all-digital model can directly realize the unique surface functions in the cutting and forming process of parts, and has an important reference for the efficient preparation of functional surfaces.