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On the modelling of abrasive waterjet cutting

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Abstract

Abrasive waterjet cutting operates by the impingement of a high-velocity abrasive-laden waterjet against the workpiece. The jet is formed by mixing abrasive particles with high-velocity water in mixing tubes and is forced through a tiny sapphire orifice. The accelerated jet exiting the nozzle travels at more than twice the speed of sound and cuts as it passes through the workpiece.

This cutting process is being developed as a net-shape and near-net-shape machining process for cutting many metals and hard-to-machine materials. The narrow kerf produced by the stream results in neither delimitation nor stresses along the cutting path. This new technology offers significant advantages over traditional processes for its ability to cut through most sections of dense or hard materials without the need for secondary machining, to produce contours, and to be integrated into computer-controlled systems.

The abrasive waterjet cutting process involves a large number of process and material parameters which are related to the waterjet, the abrasive particles, and workpiece material. Those parameters are expected to effect the material removal rates and the depth of cut. The purpose of the present work is to propose a model which is capable of predicting the maximum depth of cut for different types of materials using different process parameters. A comparison of the results of the proposed model and the models reported in the literature is introduced along with a discussion of the limitations of those models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, PO Box 5969, 13060, Safat, Kuwait

    A. A. El-Domiaty, M. A. Shabara, A. A. Abdel-Rahman & A. K. Al-Sabeeh

Authors
  1. A. A. El-Domiaty
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  2. M. A. Shabara
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  3. A. A. Abdel-Rahman
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  4. A. K. Al-Sabeeh
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Additional information

On leave from: Mechanical Engineering Department, Suez Canal University, Egypt.

On leave from: Industrial Production Engineering Department, Mansoura University, Egypt.

On leave from: Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Alexandria University, Egypt.

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El-Domiaty, A.A., Shabara, M.A., Abdel-Rahman, A.A. et al. On the modelling of abrasive waterjet cutting. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 12, 255–265 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239612

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