This equipment grant supports research directed at developing qualitative and quantitative global correlations between process performance, material properties, and machining parameters; an off-line optimization scheme; and an on-line monitoring and computer-based control system for wire electro- discharge machining (WEDM). The on-line monitoring device and adaptive control system is based on stochastic models and the spectrum analysis of the gap voltage, current, and power signals. The stochastic models of the gap condition provide necessary information about random distribution of thermal load required for developing a realistic thermal model and a better understanding of the microscopic behavior at the gap.
