Electrodes for and methods of electrical discharge machining

A method for forming a feature in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, the method comprising:

• advancing an electrode into the CMC component;
• retracting the electrode from the CMC component;
• and
• feeding a dielectric fluid into the feature,
• wherein the electrode is repeatedly advanced and retracted until a desired depth is reached, and
• wherein the electrode is an electrode for electrical discharge machining, the electrode having a head end, a tip end, and a shaft extending from the head end to the tip end, the shaft having a plurality of fins included along an outer surface of the shaft and recessed sides such that the dielectric fluid is pumped into and out of the feature in a space formed between each recessed side and the CMC component, the plurality of fins pumping the dielectric fluid into the feature as the electrode is advanced into the CMC component and pumping the dielectric fluid from the feature as the electrode is retracted from the CMC component.

A method for forming a feature in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, the method comprising:

• advancing an electrode into the CMC component;
• and
• retracting the electrode from the CMC component,
• wherein the electrode is repeatedly advanced and retracted until a desired depth is reached,
• wherein the electrode is an electrode for electrical discharge machining, the electrode having a head end, a tip end, and a shaft extending from the head end to the tip end, the shaft having a first side and a second side, each of the first side and the second side recessed inward such that the head end and the tip end are wider than the shaft,
• wherein a plurality of abrasive pads are included along an outer surface of the shaft, and
• wherein the plurality of abrasive pads grind surfaces of the feature as the electrode is advanced into and retracted from the CMC component.