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.     

The effects of blast lag in abrasive jet machined micro-channel intersections

Abrasive jet micro-machining (AJM) uses compressed air carrying abrasive solid particles to micro-machine a variety of features into surfaces. If the feature sizes are less than the size of the abrasive jet footprint, then a patterned erosion-resistant mask is used to protect the substrate material, leaving exposed areas to define the features. Previous investigations have revealed a ‘blast lag’ phenomenon in which, for the same dose of abrasive particles, narrower mask openings lead to channels that are shallower than wider ones. Blast lag occurs when using AJM on brittle substrates because of the natural tendency to rapidly form a V-shaped cross-sectional profile which inhibits abrasive particle strikes on the narrow vertex at the feature centerline. In this paper, the blast lag phenomenon is studied when using AJM to machine a network of microfluidic channels. It is found that, in some cases, differences in blast lag occurring at channel intersections and within the channels themselves, can lead to channel networks of nonuniform depth. A previously developed surface evolution model is adapted to allow prediction of the onset of blast lag in the channels and intersections and thus explain these differences. Finally, methods to eliminate the differences are discussed.     

Effect of curing parameters and configuration on the efficacy of ultraviolet light curing self-adhesive masks used for abrasive jet micro-machining

Abrasive jet micro-machining (AJM) uses a high speed jet of particles to mechanically etch features such as micro-channels into a wide variety of target materials. Since the resulting air-particle jet is divergent, erosion resistant masks are required for patterning. Because of their ease of application, 50 and 100 μm thick commercially available ultraviolet (UV) light curing self-adhesive masks are potentially very useful in AJM. However, optimum curing parameters have until now been specified in terms of a curing time for a specific recommended curing unit, making extrapolation to other curing units impossible. Using masks to create straight 250–600 μm wide reference channels in borofloat glass, this paper quantified the optimum curing UV light energy density, and investigated the effect of differing UV exposure units (flat and cylindrical-backed), UV light energy densities, and mask configuration during curing, on the pattern transfer accuracy (before AJM), and the eroded micro-channel feature size. As expected, as long as the masks were cured at the same energy density, the pattern transfer accuracy did not depend on the curing unit. The most accurate pattern transfer to the mask film (widths within 5–7% of design) corresponded to energy densities between 516–774 and 387–516 mJ/cm² for the thick (100 μm) and thin (50 μm) masks, respectively. Under these conditions and for both exposure units, the average widths of the eroded channels after AJM were found to be within 3–9% of the intended design. Curing the masks outside this range resulted in eroded features that were approximately 15–20% and ∼5% larger than intended, for the thick and thin masks, respectively. The orientations of the channel patterns with respect to the curing cylinder axis did not affect the pattern transfer. However, when compared to the cylinder ends, curing at the midpoint along the cylinder length improved the pattern accuracy by approximately 3%, resulting in eroded features that were 10–20% closer to the design width. Finally, it was found that patterning multiple layers of masks improved the erosion resistance without compromising the feature width, enabling the AJM of higher aspect ratio features.     

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.     

喷嘴抗冲蚀磨损研究及梯度模型设计

分析喷嘴冲蚀磨损特点，指出喷嘴的不同部位同时受到不同角度的冲击；磨料颗粒在喷嘴内部加速运动，喷嘴沿长度方向的磨损程度不同，喷嘴人口磨损最严重，出口次之，而中间区域磨损相对较轻。阐述陶瓷喷嘴冲蚀磨损机理，说明陶瓷喷嘴两端承受以高冲击角为主的冲蚀，磨损机理以应力疲劳断裂和脆性断裂为主；喷嘴中部承受低角冲蚀，微切削冲蚀磨损为其主要磨损机理，得到喷嘴磨损属于多冲蚀磨损机理并存的结论。在此基础上，提出均质材料难以适应喷嘴冲蚀磨损特点，不易满足喷嘴高抗冲蚀磨损性能要求的观点。基于梯度功能技术思想首次提出梯度功能喷嘴设计方法，并建立梯度功能喷嘴设计模型。     

Inverse methods to gradient etch three-dimensional features with prescribed topographies using abrasive jet micro-machining: Part II—Verification with micro-machining experiments

Cross sectional shape and centerline waviness along the length of a micro-channel can affect different characteristics of microfluidic flow, including heat transfer, pressure distribution and dissipation, and separation of flow. Current existing technologies that allow such micro-machining have many limitations. The accompanying paper presented inverse techniques that can be used to predict the required non-uniform velocity to gradient etch, using abrasive jet micro-machining (AJM), micro-channels and pockets with a wide variety of prescribed textures and cross-sectional shapes. Methods to predict the final three-dimensional (3D) profiles of such features were also presented. In this paper, the velocity functions predicted using the inverse methods were used to machine micro-channels with prescribed centerline depths that varied linearly, parabolically and sinusoidally, pockets with prescribed textures in two directions, and micro-channels with prescribed W-shaped cross sections. Two different erosive efficacy sources were used, one resulting from an adjustable shadow mask and one using a maskless technique. The inverse and 3D shape prediction techniques were verified by comparing the measured feature topographies with those that were initially prescribed. The effect of process parameters such as source shape and the machined feature size on the accuracy of machined features and predictions of the models were also discussed. Overall, the inverse techniques were found to be very effective for predicting the process parameters required to machine a wide variety of desired micro-channel and pocket topographies.     

硬脆材料微磨削表面形成机理试验研究

微磨削作为微尺度硬脆材料元器件的一种重要加工方法越来越受到重视,分析硬脆材料微磨削材料去除机理、提出其应为脆性去除与延性去除的综合作用,并就硬脆材料微磨削中材料去除过程与传统磨削方式的不同建立微磨削表面形成模型。为揭示硬脆材料微磨削过程的表面形成机理,验证所提出的微磨削未变形切屑厚度hm与微磨削表面粗糙度Ra计算模型的科学性和准确性,针对钠钙玻璃这一典型硬脆材料设计了正交微磨削试验,就试验结果进行硬脆材料微磨削表面形貌分析,讨论硬脆材料微磨削表面影响因素以及影响规律。基于试验数据结果对所建立微磨削模型的科学性进行了验证,并通过试验获得了微磨削后表面粗糙度Ra从78 nm至0.98 μm的一系列表面,为硬脆材料微磨削表面形成机理研究提供了理论参考与试验依据。     

Understanding particle dynamics in erosion testers—A review of influences of particle movement on erosion test conditions

An understanding of particle dynamics is important when determining material erosive wear in any erosion tester, because particle impact conditions are primarily influenced by particle acceleration. A better understanding of particle dynamics in the testers will aid the control of erosion test conditions and therefore improve the accuracy of measurement. In this paper, particle dynamics in the two most popular erosion testers, the centrifugal erosion tester and the gas-blast erosion tester, has been discussed in detail. Mechanisms of particle acceleration in the two types of testers were explored and computational models of particle dynamics were described briefly. A review of the experimental determination of important characteristics of particle dynamics (such as particle velocity, particle trajectory, particle dispersion and particle rotation) showed how they influenced particle movement and therefore the particle impact conditions. In addition, comparison of the particle dynamics in the two types of erosion testers showed that differences of particle acceleration may lead to significantly different results at identical pre-set test conditions. It may be concluded that it is not possible to directly compare the results obtained in different types of erosion testers even under notionally identical test conditions.     

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.     

Influence of the Erodent Shape on the Erosion Behavior of Ductile and Brittle Materials

Solid particle erosion is identified as a major wear process occurring in numerous industrial applications. A number of test parameters influence the behavior of the materials during this wear process. Particle shape is one of the key factors, which is often discussed for ductile or brittle materials in the literature, but a comparative study of ductile and brittle materials showing an effect of particle shape has not been addressed in detail until now. The present work discusses the influence of erodent shape on the wear behavior of a ductile (Ti-6Al-4 V alloy) and a brittle (TiN coating) material during the erosion process. Investigations are performed in an erosion test rig where the ductile and brittle materials are charged with spherical and angular SiO₂ particles at normal impact. Results show an inverse erosion behavior of ductile and brittle materials with the variation in particle shape. Ductile materials show low material removal with spherical particles, whereas brittle materials show low material removal rates with angular ones. This work also provides an analysis of the material removal phenomenon to understand the effect of particle shape on tested materials. Since materials removal phenomenon in ductile materials is often reported in the literature, this work addresses the material removal behavior especially in ceramic coatings.     

Numerical simulation of solid particle impacts on Al6061-T6 Part II: Materials removal mechanisms for impact of multiple angular particles

In the accompanying paper (M. Takaffoli, M. Papini, Numerical simulation of solid particle impacts on Al6061-T6 Part I: Three dimensional representation of angular particles), it was demonstrated that realistic 3D models of angular particles could be generated and used with a smoothed particle hydrodynamics model to simulate the damage done to an Al6061-T6 target due to many non-overlapping particle impacts. In this paper, the same methodology was used to simulate overlapping impacts, and thus the material removal mechanisms associated with the solid particle erosion of this material. The evolution of the topography of the blasted surface was simulated, and the surface ripple patterns that typically form during the erosion of aluminum alloys were observed. The predicted volumetric erosion rates at different impact angles were, on average, within 7% of those measured in erosion experiments. An investigation of the simulated trajectory of the impacting particles revealed the cooperative contribution of overlapping impacts to material loss, and solid particle erosion mechanisms such as the micromachining of chips, the ploughing of craters, and the formation, forging and knocking off of crater lips. The results indicate that numerical simulation of the solid particle erosion of ductile metals by realistic angular particles is possible.     

Erosion Debris Particle Observations and the Micromachining Mechanism of Erosion

Erosion debris particles produced by particle impact erosion of pure Ni and a stainless steel have been examined in the scanning electron microscope for the purpose of determining whether micro-machining is an operative mechanism of erosion by alumina particles. Macroscopic machining chips generally exhibit well-defined lamellae on the side of the chip away from the tool face, and such lamellae are also observed in micromachining chips produced by abrasion or scratch testing. The aspect ratio of such chips is generally large. In the present work, the aspect ratios and shapes of erosion debris particles formed at angles of incidence below the peak erosion angle (α_c) were generally consistent with the dimensions of the impact craters formed on the eroded surface and with the hypothesis that they were formed by micromachining. However, most of the debris particles did not exhibit characteristic lamellae. This may be explained by the fact that the surface from which they are formed is very rough even on a scale similar to the size of the debris particles. This is not true in abrasion: Micromachining chips formed from such a surface would be expected to have surfaces which would obscure the existence of lamellae. However, some chips would be expected to come from the few relatively smooth areas of the surface, and these should show lamellae. Examples of such chips were, indeed, found, and micrographs of these chips are nearly indistinguishable from micrographs of micromachining chips formed by abrasion or scratch tests. It is concluded that micromachining is an operative mechanism of erosion which is of greatest importance at low angles of incidence. Debris particles formed at higher angles of incidence are generally more platelike.     

磨料喷射喷嘴的应力分析及FGM模型设计

分析表明磨料喷射加工中喷嘴承受的应力在喷嘴入口最大、出口次之、中间区域相对较小。试验显示喷嘴的冲蚀磨损在喷嘴入口最严重、出口次之、中间区域相对较小。试验结果与应力分析结果一致,得出磨料喷射加工中喷嘴入口、出口处承受的高拉应力是造成其冲蚀磨损严重的主要原因的结论。针对提高均质陶瓷材料喷嘴抗冲蚀磨损能力的力度有限,提出运用梯度功能材料(Function gradient material,FGM)理论于喷嘴材料的设计和制造中,研发新型非均质的陶瓷喷嘴材料,将梯度功能陶瓷喷嘴制备中产生的残余压应力引入喷嘴入口、出口,使其减缓磨料喷射加工中喷嘴承受的拉应力,以提高喷嘴抗冲蚀磨损能力。结合喷嘴的冲蚀磨损特点、结构特点及陶瓷喷嘴材料制备工艺性等,建立了梯度陶瓷喷嘴物理模型和成分分布模型。根据本模型设计结果,研制出梯度 SiC／(W,Ti)C陶瓷喷嘴。结果表明,相同条件下制各的梯度SiC／(W,Ti)C陶瓷喷嘴的抗冲蚀磨损能力高于非梯度 SiC／(W,Ti)C陶瓷喷嘴。     

A coupled finite element and meshfree analysis of erosive wear

Erosive wear is a kind of material degradation, which is largely involved in many industries, and caused a series of serious problems and economic loss. Many theoretical models and numerical models have been established to study the erosion phenomena. In this study, a coupled finite element and meshfree model was developed for the simulation and prediction of erosive wear. By utilizing the meshfree technique, the error due to mesh distortion and tangling at impacted area in the finite element analysis could be effectively avoided. The fundamental mechanisms of erosion by solid particle impact were investigated as well. Comparison against the results of analytical erosion models and finite element model are made. It is shown that the predicted results are in agreement with reported results. The present study could be very useful and efficient in studying erosive wear.     

A comparative study of material phase effects on micro-machinability of multiphase materials

In the mechanical micro-machining of multiphase materials, the cutting process is undertaken at a length scale where material heterogeneity has to be considered. This has led to increasing interest in optimising the process parameters for micro-machining of such materials. In this study the micro-machinability of two steels, a predominantly ferrite material (AISI 1005) and a near-balanced ferrite/pearlite microstructure (AISI 1045) was studied. Workpiece sample deformation properties were characterised by nano-indentation testing. Additionally, metallographic grain size evaluation was undertaken for the workpiece microstructures. Surface roughness, workpiece microstructure and burr size for micro-machined parts as well as tool wear were examined over a range of feed rates. The results suggest that for micro-machined parts, differential elastic recovery between phases leads to higher surface roughness when the surface quality of micro-machined multiphase phase material is compared to that of single phase material. On the other hand, for single phase predominantly ferritic materials, reducing burr size and tool wear are major challenges. Thus, the paper elucidates on material property effects on surface and workpiece edge quality during micro-milling.     

Particle concentration and size effects on the erosion-corrosion of pure metals in aqueous slurries

In previous studies of erosion-corrosion, several different theories have been developed to produce a model which represents the relationship between particle erosion and chemical corrosion. Regimes in the models define how the two mechanisms behave relative to one another, whether it is erosion dominated, corrosion dominated. This paper investigates the effect of particle and target material on the erosion-corrosion mechanisms. The performance of Fe as the target material will be modelled when considering particle concentration and size. A comparison is made between the erosion-corrosion mechanisms of Fe, Ni, Al and Cu under different conditions of particle size and concentration. By producing several maps, the regimes and wastage rates predicted as functions of velocity and applied potential will be discussed.     

Solid Particle Erosion Behavior of WC Coating Obtained by Electrospark Technique and Detonation Spraying

Solid particle erosion is an important material degradation process. One way of improving the erosion resistance of a material is to suitably modify the surface. Electrospark deposition (ESD) is a well-known surface modification process. Operational simplicity, low capital cost, and low operational cost of the ESD process have made it attractive for high-technology areas in engineering industries. Tungsten carbide (WC) is considered a potential hard material for erosion-resistant application. This material can be deposited by ESD. The present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate the room-temperature erosion response of WC coating deposited by ESD and to compare the erosion behavior of this coating with that of detonation-sprayed WC-Co coating. WC coatings were deposited on mild steel (MS) and aluminum substrate by ESD. Similarly, WC-12% Co coatings were deposited on MS and Al by detonation spraying. The microstructural features and mechanical properties of these coatings were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and microhardness testing. The solid particle erosion rate was determined using an erosion test rig. The morphology of the eroded surfaces and the areas beneath the eroded surfaces were examined by means of SEM. The results showed that the WC coating by ESD improves erosion resistance. Although most coatings exhibit a ductile erosion response, WC coating by ESD on Al substrate exhibits a brittle erosion response. Material loss from ESD coating on Al occurs due to the joining of preexisting cracks and the removal of chunk of material.     

Upstream swirl-induction for reduction of erosion damage from slurries in pipeline bends

Industries which transport slurries and other particle-laden liquids in pipes expend the equivalent of millions of pounds every year to repair erosion damage caused by solid particle impingement. It is against this background that the perceived relationship between pipeline erosion and imposed swirling flow fields in pipe bends is important. Definitions of flow fields and particle dispersions which minimise erosive wear are sought to facilitate the development of new designs and geometries for slurry handling equipment. Such an approach is pertinent to industries handling valuable or hazardous material in the face of increasing safety, efficiency and economic requirements. Robust erosive wear models must be developed to explore the advantages of swirl flow and subsequent particle dispersion.

Collaboration between the universities of Nottingham and Southampton is aimed at the reduction of wear at critical locations in slurry handling pipelines by applying swirl-inducing pipes upstream of pipe bends. This paper details the improved particle distributions, particle impingement conditions and lower flowrates resulting from such swirl flow. These factors are discussed in terms of current erosion models and the predicted reduction in wear rates. Parallel visualisation studies using simulant particle-laden liquids augment computational modelling of the flow patterns.     

Abrasive Waterjet Machining Simulation by Coupling Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics / Finite Element Method

In dealing with abrasive waterjet machining(AWJM) simulation,most literatures apply finite element method(FEM) to build pure waterjet models or single abrasive particle erosion models.To overcome the mesh distortion caused by large deformation using FEM and to consider the effects of both water and abrasive,the smoothed particle hydrodynamics(SPH) coupled FEM modeling for AWJM simulation is presented,in which the abrasive waterjet is modeled by SPH particles and the target material is modeled by FEM.The two parts interact through contact algorithm.Utilizing this model,abrasive waterjet with high velocity penetrating the target materials is simulated and the mechanism of erosion is depicted.The relationships between the depth of penetration and jet parameters,including water pressure and traverse speed,etc,are analyzed based on the simulation.The simulation results agree well with the existed experimental data.The mixing multi-materials SPH particles,which contain abrasive and water,are adopted by means of the randomized algorithm and material model for the abrasive is presented.The study will not only provide a new powerful tool for the simulation of abrasive waterjet machining,but also be beneficial to understand its cutting mechanism and optimize the operating parameters.     

Particle velocity and size effects in laboratory slurry erosion measurements OR… do you know what your particles are doing?

The major factors which determine the erodent particle impact wear process are described. Thus, particle impact velocity, impact angle and impact frequency are dictated by the slurry flow regime about the specimen. The influence of these factors on erosion rates (or on erosion–corrosion rates) can only be understood in terms of a quantitative model for slurry flow and particle impact and an assumption on the nature of the rate-controlling factor governing material loss. For erosion in the absence of corrosion, this latter has been taken to be the rate of dissipation of particle impact energy on the specimen surface. It is emphasised that material loss must be measured by changes in surface profile rather than mass loss, and that the best specimen form for this analysis is a cylinder. The effect of change of particle size on erosion rates is discussed. It is suggested that the application of these experimental and analytical techniques should provide a tool for the quantitative analysis of wastage in conditions of erosion–corrosion.