Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Process using Simulation

Abstract

Abrasive Water Jet Machining – (AWJM) become one of popular and growing processes among Advanced Machining Processes. It has high material flexibility and advantages of geometric, and ability to cut materials that are hard to machine using conventional technologies, it reduces the time necessary for secondary operations like programming, tool changing, or clamping. this allows a significant optimization of the overall manufacturing process chain. All these Advantages lead to (AWJM) technology to rapidly spreading in many industries. Since this process one of the important Advanced Machining Processes therefor in this research an Explicit Finite Element Analysis (FEA) conducted and (AWJM) Process Parameters (Impact Angle α, Operational pressure P and Traverse Rate T) studied to provide data to Optimize Abrasive water jet machining process. Result showed an increase in Material Removal Rate (MRR) by (1% – 3%) with increasing Water Pressure P by 200MPa and (4% – 5%) approximately with increasing Traverse Rate T by 20m/s, but also showed drawbacks as surface roughness and damage When Impact Angle 90O showed the best results.