General Electric Company
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING FEATURES WITHIN COMPOSITE COMPONENTS USING A TUBULAR ELECTRODE

Abstract:

A system for forming features within composite components includes a tubular electrode extending along a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end is, in turn, configured to be positioned relative to a machining surface of the composite component such that a spark gap is defined between the distal end and the machining surface. Furthermore, the tubular electrode further extends in a radial direction between an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface defining a central passage configured to supply a dielectric fluid to the machining surface. The outer surface of the tubular electrode includes at least one a channel defined therein or a non-circular cross-sectional shape.