Abrasive water jet cutting

Abstract

This thesis describes an investigation into the fundamentals of abrasive water jet cutting. The industrial applications and benefits offered by abrasive water jet cutting are all listed. From the literature that was available, some of the existing theory on erosion of both ductile and brittle materials is presented. The relation between the erosion by solid particles and the physical properties of metals is also discussed. Besides the principle of abrasive water jet, a detailed description of the cutting process is given to differentiate between the three cutting stages. There are many independent parameters that effect the cutting performance of abrasive water jet. This thesis therefore addresses aspects that affect the selection of such parameters, which consequently impact the technical, environmental and economical performance of abrasive water jets. A description on the surface finish that is produced by this cutting method is also given. The design of a purpose-built, abrasive water jet test rig is also discussed and is used in practical experiments. Such experiments investigated the general effects of standoff distance on erosion of aluminium plate and glass by silicon carbide abrasive. The results allowed an optimum standoff distance to be identified for the aluminium plate.