Abrasive waterjet machining simulation by SPH method

Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is a non-conventional process. The mechanism of material removing in AWJM for ductile materials and existing erosion models are reviewed in this paper. To overcome the difficulties of fluid–solid interaction and extra-large deformation problem using finite element method (FEM), the SPH-coupled FEM modeling for abrasive waterjet machining simulation is presented, in which the abrasive waterjet is modeled by SPH particles and the target material is modeled by FE. The two parts interact through contact algorithm. The creativity of this model is multi-materials SPH particles, which contain abrasive and water and mix together uniformly. To build the model, a randomized algorithm is proposed. The material model for the abrasive is first presented. Utilizing this model, abrasive waterjet penetrating the target materials with high velocity is simulated and the mechanism of erosion is depicted. The relationship between the depth of penetration and jet parameters, including water pressure and traverse speed, etc., are analyzed based on the simulation. The results agree with the experimental data well. It will be a benefit to understand the abrasive waterjet cutting mechanism and optimize the operating parameters.     

Numerical simulation of single particle acceleration process by SPH coupled FEM for abrasive waterjet cutting

The existing numerical simulations of hydrodynamic characteristics of abrasive waterjet in a cutting head were mainly based on Eulerian grid or arbitrary Lagrange–Eulerian grid method to establish computational fluid dynamics models. However, using these two methods, the abrasive and water were premixed and given an identical initial velocity, which were different from the mixing and acceleration processes of abrasive in the cutting head. This paper presents a more suitable numerical model that the abrasive particle enters into the mixing chamber in a low velocity and is accelerated in the focus tube by a high-speed waterjet from the orifice. In order to model this mixing-and-acceleration process of abrasive and high-speed waterjet, the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) coupled finite element method (FEM) is adopted, in which SPH particles are used to model the high-speed waterjet to adapt its extremely large deformation and FEM is applied to model the discrete abrasive particle, cutting head, and workpiece. As a result, evolution of abrasive and waterjet velocities along focus tube is analyzed; trajectory of single abrasive particle in focus tube is sighted; the relationships between abrasive particle velocities and different water pressures are described; the rule of outlet velocities of abrasive particle vs. dimensionless ratio of diameter is conducted; depth of penetration caused by single abrasive particle impact is obtained. The current model is validated by the existing theoretical and experimental data.     

Shot peening simulation based on SPH method

Shot peening is a complex surface-treating process which is usually employed to improve the fatigue strength of metallic part or members. In dealing with shot peening simulation, existing literatures apply finite element method (FEM) to establish only a single shot or several shots models, thus the effect of a mass of shots impacting repeatedly and the interaction among adjacent shots are ignored. To overcome these defects of FEM models, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) coupled FEM modeling is presented, in which the shots are modeled by SPH particles and the target material is modeled by finite elements. Contact algorithm is used to simulate the interaction between shots and target. Utilizing this model, material model for shots is established, the relationships between compressive residual stress and peening frequencies, coverage, and velocities are analyzed. Steady compressive residual stress can be gotten by multiple peening; higher coverage can improve the compressive residual stress; faster velocities can induce greater and deeper maximum residual stress in target subsurface. The simulation results agree well with the existing experimental data. The study will not only provide a new powerful tool for the simulation of shot peening process, but also be benefit to optimize the operating parameters.     

An erosion model for abrasive waterjet milling of polycrystalline ceramics

A modeling study was conducted on the abrasive waterjet milling (AWJM) of polycrystalline ceramics. The optimum jet incidence angle was determined from experiments. A conclusion from previous studies, which indicated intergranular cracking to be the dominant erosion mechanism, was applied. A hypothesis that links the intergranular cracking to impact-induced stress waves was used. An existing expression for the input stress wave energy was adopted in a crack network model to evaluate material removal. A new material constant “AWJM Erosion Resistance” was defined. The derived erosion model is verified with single-pass AWJM experiments.     

Modelling the erosion rate in micro abrasive air jet machining of glasses

Micro abrasive jet machining (MAJM) is an economical and efficient technology for micro-machining of brittle material like glasses. The erosion of brittle materials by solid micro-particles is a complex process in which material is removed from the target surface by brittle fractures. The rate of material removal is one of the most important quantities for a machining process. Predictive mathematical models for the erosion rates in micro-hole drilling and micro-channel cutting on glasses with an abrasive air jet are developed. A dimensional analysis technique is used to formulate the models as functions of the particle impact parameters, target material properties and the major process parameters that are known to affect the erosion process of brittle materials. The predictive capability of the models is assessed and verified by an experimental investigation covering a range of the common process parameters such as air pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, stand-off distance and machining time (for hole machining) or traverse speed (for channel machining). It shows that model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results.     

On the modelling of abrasive waterjet cutting

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.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.     

A finite element-based model for pure waterjet process simulation

The utilization of abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting/drilling, and in particular its application into hard-to-cut materials, is growing. However, the mechanics of AWJ cutting is complex; the material removal process is not fully understood and, consequently, it has not been accurately modeled. In the current study, work was undertaken to mesh in a first stage the waterflow into the waterjet nozzle in order to use the finite element (FE) method to simulate the pure waterjet flow. The main objective is to investigate and analyze in detail the workpiece material behavior under waterjet impingement; a non-linear FE model (using LS-DYNA 3D code) has been developed, which simulates the erosion of the target material caused by the high-pressure waterjet flow. A combination of Eulerian–Langrangian elements is used for the waterjet and the target material, respectively, in order to handle their interaction. Damaged zones can be localized on impinged materials. Elements’ failure is handled by introducing a threshold strain after which Langrangian elements are removed. The results obtained from this numerical simulation (velocity profile, stress, erosion stages) show a good agreement with the results from previous experimental work that is available in bibliography. The next step of the research will be focused on the simulation of the whole procedure using various abrasives.     

Effect of workpiece properties on machinability in abrasive jet machining of ceramic materials

Abrasive jet machining (AJM), a specialized form of shot blasting using fine-grained abrasives, is an attractive micro-machining method for ceramic materials. In this paper, the machinability during the AJM process is compared to that given by the established models of solid particle erosion, in which the material removal is assumed to originate in the ideal crack formation system. However, it was clarified that the erosion models are not necessarily applicable to the AJM test results, because the relative hardness of the abrasive against the target material, which is not taken into account in the models, is critical in the micro-machining process. In contrast to conventional erosion by large-scale particles, no strength degradation occurs for the AJM surface, which is evidence that radial cracks do not propagate downwards as a result of particle impacts.     

Abrasive water and slurry jet micro-machining techniques for fabrication of molds containing raised free-standing micro-features

The demand for metallic micro-molds that can be used for inexpensive mass production of polymeric microfluidic chips is increasing. Existing manufacturing techniques such as soft-lithography and photolithography can require multiple time-consuming steps, especially when the aim is to create three-dimensional features. In this study, the feasibility of using abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) and abrasive slurry jet machining (ASJM) to fabricate such micro-molds in Al6061-T6 and SS316 was studied. Jet raster scans under various combinations of process parameters were used in order to machine micro-pockets containing free-standing structures, representing molds for casting microfluidic chips with channel networks. As expected, for both materials and using both ASJM and AWJM, the pocket roughness decreased as the distance between adjacent raster scans (step size) decreased, but the lowest waviness occurred at an intermediate step size. The best quality pockets were achieved on SS316 using ASJM with the intermediate step size and the highest possible slurry mass flow rate. Unmasked machining could not be used to fabricate molds with sharp-edged intersecting features, and a novel hybrid AWJM/ASJM masked machining technique was thus introduced. An undercut and an undesirable erosion near the edges of the mask formed if the position of the last raster scan closest to the mask was not carefully controlled. Possible reasons for these phenomena were discussed in terms of the likelihood of jet deflection off the machining kerf and mask, and the resulting erosion due to secondary slurry flow. By careful selection of the process parameters, it was demonstrated that high quality molds with both single and intersecting free-standing structures at multiple heights could be fabricated, thus making three-dimensional microfluidic chip mold fabrication feasible.     

Effects of process parameters on surface roughness in abrasive waterjet cutting of aluminium

Abrasive waterjet cutting is a novel machining process capable of processing wide range of hard-to-cut materials. Surface roughness of machined parts is one of the major machining characteristics that play an important role in determining the quality of engineering components. This paper shows the influence of process parameters on surface roughness (R_a) which is an important cutting performance measure in abrasive waterjet cutting of aluminium. Taguchi’s design of experiments was carried out in order to collect surface roughness values. Experiments were conducted in varying water pressure, nozzle traverse speed, abrasive mass flow rate and standoff distance for cutting aluminium using abrasive waterjet cutting process. The effects of these parameters on surface roughness have been studied based on the experimental results.     

Fluid dynamic mechanisms of particle flow causing ductile and brittle erosion

Traditional prediction of erosion focuses on the use of velocity and impact angle of particles as independent variables in analytically derived models. This approach is most suitable for numerical predictions of erosion in disperse flow fields where particle trajectories may easily be followed prior to impact. For dense particle flows, the prediction of individual particle or particle cluster movement is nearly never attempted by following trajectories. Instead, two-fluid Eulerian–Eulerian approaches are used in which a continuous particle fluid phase is considered.The present study shows that the impact velocity and angle of attack of particles at the eroding surface are difficult to obtain for dense flows, thus being difficult to consider as parameters for predicting erosion. Instead, it is proposed that the normal and the shearing components of the viscous dissipation of the particulate phase are more suitable as independent flow variables governing the erosion process. These variables describe deformation and cutting wear processes, respectively, and are readily derived from the flow field.Eulerian erosion models are proposed, based on these independent variables. It is possible to implement previous results and theories concerning the material–mechanical interaction between the abrasive and an eroding surface to achieve model improvements. In this work, only a simple model taking into account a threshold elastic strain limit is proposed, to more correctly model the deformation wear.The particle-flow boundary condition — a partial-slip condition — significantly influences the erosion process, particularly the cutting erosion. The boundary condition depends on parameters such as the local particle phase flow, the mean diameter and the sharpness of the abrasive as well as the surface roughness.A simple 2D test application — a jet stream of particles impinging a tilted plate — is presented, and the qualitative angular behaviour of ductile and brittle erosion is reproduced at the target position. A scheme is presented for determination of material constants and suitable boundary conditions to be used in the proposed erosion models.     

Material deformation and removal due to single particle impacts on ductile materials using smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was used to simulate the impact of single angular particles on Al6061-T6 targets, and the implications for solid particle erosion were discussed. The results of the simulations were verified by comparison to measurements obtained from impact experiments performed using a gas gun which was specifically designed to accelerate angular particles without disturbing their orientation with respect to the target. Both the simulations and the experiments showed that an increase in impact angle and initial orientation of the particle altered the deformation mechanism of the target material, as noted by other investigators. For impact angles close to normal, a significant amount of target material was extruded and piled up at the edge of the impact craters, due to the limited strain hardening of Al6061-T6. However, for certain combinations of incident parameters, the particle machined the surface and a chip was removed. With appropriate constitutive and failure parameters, SPH was demonstrated to be suitable for simulating all of the relevant damage phenomena, including crater formation, material pile-up and chip separation.     

基于流体自激的磨料水射流加工仿真与实验

针对先进陶瓷材料的高效、精密加工,提出了一种基于流体自激的新型磨料水射流加工方法——自激振荡磨料水射流加工(SEO-AWJM).采用ANSYS Fluent大涡模拟模型进行了流体仿真,仿真结果表明:当入口流速为135 m/s,腔长为4 mm时,下游喷嘴出口脉冲率最大达到28.47％.射流束的脉冲特性使得工件表面停滞层周...     

Optimal design of spaced plates under hypervelocity impact

This paper presents a bumper shield design for protection of a satellite structure system subjected to hypervelocity impact (above 6 km/s) from space debris. Especially, this study is focused on the optimization of the spaced plates (the so-called Whipple shield) design using the coupled SPH and Lagrangian FEM methods. This is because the SPH is a meshless method and it is efficient in hypervelocity impact analysis involving debris caused by fragmentation and penetration under hypervelocity impact. The Whipple shield is composed of multiple spaced plates where the first bumper plate is modeled as particles for SPH simulation while the rear wall is modeled as elements for FEM. The appropriate smoothing length and mesh size were determined taking into account computational cost and accuracy and the erosion scheme is adopted to avoid numerical error due to large deformation. After verification for the comparison with previous experimental works, the optimal plate structure is proposed considering multi design objectives based on parameter optimization.     

Material removal in abrasive waterjet machining of metals Surface integrity and texture

An experimental study was conducted to determine the influence of material properties on the surface integrity and texture that results from abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining of metals. A microstructure analysis, microhardness measurements, and profilometry were used in determining the depth of plastic deformation and surface texture that result from material removal. Models now available for dry abrasive erosion were adopted and found useful in understanding the influence of material properties on the hydrodynamic erosion process. It was found that the depth of subsurface plastic deformation is inversely proportional to a metals strength coefficient and extends the greatest depth near jet entry in the initial damage region (IDR). Furthermore, surface skewness in AWJ machining of metals increases with ductility and the corresponding critical strain for lip formation.     

钛合金薄壁曲面液态金属-磨粒流加工仿真与试验研究

针对钛合金薄壁曲面工件磨粒流抛光后表面粗糙度分布不均匀的问题,提出一种基于液态金属的磨粒流加工方法。基于SST k-ω模型、OKA冲蚀模型,流体流动颗粒追踪模型,采用COMSOL有限元软件对不同电场布置下的液态金属-磨粒流动力学特性开展深入研究。仿真结果表明,通过电场的合理布置可以控制液态金属颗粒在流场中运动;合理的电场布置可以有效提高工件表面加工均匀性,并通过仿真得出了一组冲蚀较好的试验参数。基于仿真结果开展了液态金属-磨粒流加工试验,试验结果表明：液态金属-磨粒流加工方法可有效提高工件表面加工的均匀性。在加工14 h后,不加电场的磨粒流加工表面不同区域的粗糙度分布不均,工件凹陷处粗糙度明显大于凸起处,各区域表面粗糙度极差达到66.1 nm。使用液态金属-磨粒流加工后的工件表面各区域粗糙度的均匀性明显提高,各区域表面粗糙度极差减小为20.3 nm,为液态金属-磨粒流加工的开展及其调控提供了理论和试验依据。     

Application of Taguchi design for quality characterization of abrasive water jet machining of TRIP sheet steels

In the present paper, the influence of sheet thickness, nozzle diameter, standoff distance, and traverse speed during abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) of transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) sheet steels on surface quality characteristics (kerf geometry and surface roughness) was investigated. The experiments were designed using Taguchi methodology and carried out by AWJ Machining TRIP 700 CR-FH and TRIP 800 HR-FH steel sheets. As response variables, mean kerf width and average surface roughness were selected. The experimental results were analyzed using analysis of means and analysis of variance methods in order to correlate the AWJM process parameters the response variables. In addition, regression models were obtained using the experimental results and validated with six independent experiments. The reported results indicate that the proposed methodology can satisfactorily analyze the surface roughness and the mean kerf in AWJM; moreover, it can be considered as valuable tools for process planning in workshop.     

Processing capabilities of micro ultrasonic machining for hard and brittle materials: SPH analysis and experimental verification

Micro ultrasonic machining (micro-USM) is an unconventional micromachining technology that has capability to fabricate high aspect ratio micro-holes, intricate shapes and features on various hard and brittle materials. The material removal in USM is based on brittle fracture of work materials. The mechanical properties and fracture behaviour are different for varied hard and brittle materials, which would make a big difference in the processing capability of micro-USM. To study the processing capability of USM and exploit its potential, the material removal of work materials, wear of abrasive particles and wear of machining tools in USM of three typical hard and brittle materials including float glass, alumina, and silicon carbide were investigated in this work. Both smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations and verification experiments were conducted. The material removal rate is found to decrease in the order of glass, alumina, and silicon carbide, which can be well explained by the simulation results that cracking of glass is faster and larger compared to the other materials. Correspondingly, the tool wear rate also dropped significantly thanks to the faster material removal, and a formation of concavity on the tool tip center due to intensive wear was prevented. The SPH model is proved useful for studying USM of different hard and brittle materials, and capable of predicting the machining performance.     

Radial-mode abrasive waterjet turning of short carbon–fiber-reinforced plastics

An experimental study is carried out for single-pass radial-mode abrasive waterjet (AWJ) turning of a short carbon–fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) specimen to understand the machining process and the effects of major process variables (feed speed, water pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, nozzle tilt angle, and rotational surface speed) on the major machining performance measures, that is, the depth of cut, material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness. It is found that high water pressure, normal nozzle impact angle and high rotational speed with suitably selected feed speed and abrasive flow rate may be selected to achieve a high MRR without significantly compromising the surface roughness. Mathematical models for the three cutting performance measures are then developed for use in process control.     

Electrochemical slurry jet micro-machining of tungsten carbide with a sodium chloride solution

Electrochemical slurry jet micro-machining (ESJM) is a new non-conventional process that couples abrasive slurry jet machining (ASJM) and electrochemical jet machining (ECJM) concurrently. A micro-jet of abrasive particles and electrolytic solution is made to impinge on the target while applying a DC potential between the jet nozzle and the workpiece. ESJM can be used to remove material that is difficult to machine through a combination of erosion, corrosion and synergistic effects. This study focuses on ESJM of tungsten carbide (WC) using a pH-neutral NaCl electrolyte rather than an alkaline solution which is more commonly used in the electrochemical processing of WC. For the studied process parameters, it was shown that the erosion due to ASJM alone was not able to erode the WC, and that the corrosion under ECJM was slow and produced unacceptably wide channels. The combined ESJM process however, was found to involve erosion of the developed oxide layer and subsequent exposure of un-corroded WC, leading to a much higher machining current density, corrosion rate, and machining localization than using ECJM alone. It was also found that the total abrasive kinetic energy, working voltage and solution concentration strongly affected the machining current density, material removal rate and aspect ratio (depth to width ratio). The results indicate that ESJM has a high potential to machine difficult-to-cut metals efficiently and economically.