| The energy dissipation behavior of an abrasive water jet cutting through steel is investigated at three feed rates and three different depths of cut. First, the jet velocity is evaluated from direct measurements of jet mass flow rate and jet impacting forces. Mass flow rates are obtained by weighing the jet discharge collected in a high pressure container, over a given period time. The jet's impacting force is measured using piezoelectric transducers, the data collected is stored and analyzed in a data acquisition system. Mathematical models of the jet velocity as a function of pump pressure are obtained. Second, the jet's impacting force, as it exits the workpiece, is measured at three different feed rates and three specimen thicknesses. The ratio of the jet energy as it leaves the workpiece, over the jet energy before it cuts, is derived from these force measurements. This ratio is descriptive of the energy dissipation function of the jet during the cutting process. Third, measurements of the cutting kerf are performed at the same cutting conditions considered earlier. Lateral cuts are performed at different traverse positions and the depth of cut is directly measured. From this data, it becomes also possible to express the jet's energy dissipation function as a function of the depth of cut. The results obtained and the mathematical models generated are reviewed, analyzed and compared to study results available in the literature. |
