Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1989
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
First Advisor
E. S. Geskin
Second Advisor
Keith T. O'Brien
Third Advisor
Rong-Yaw Chen
Abstract
This study is concerned with experimental and numerical investigation of the dynamics of surface generation during the impingement of the abrasive waterjet on a workpiece.
A series of erosion zones were generated by the abrasive waterjet on the polished surface of stainless steel samples. The impingement was carried out at different traverse speeds and abrasive flow rates. An optical, a scanning electron microscope and a laser displacement sensor were used to investigate the developed surface.
The microscopical examination of the surface enabled determination of the shape of asperities created by individual particles, distribution of asperities on the surface and the coalescence of asperities into the groove. Four different stages of the surface formation were identified.
The laser displacement sensor enabled development of a database which characterizes the topography of the obtained surfaces. Computer graphic techniques were used to simulate details of these surfaces. The rate of material removal, increase of the fraction of the damaged area, and the surface profile of longitudinal and transverse cross-sections of the erosion zone were also determined. The equation of the transverse cross-section for intermediate duration of impingement was constructed and validated.
This study provides information necessary for the prediction of the geometry of the surface created during the erosion of ductile material by an abrasive waterjet. Particularly, this information can be used for the prediction of the shape of irregularities generated during waterjet cutting.
Recommended Citation
Chen, Shy-Shyan, "Investigation of surface formation in abrasive waterjet cutting" (1989). Theses. 2729.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2729
