Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation of Flow in Abrasive Water Jet Machining

Abstract. Abrasive water jet cutting is one of the most recently developed non-traditional
manufacturing technologies. In this machining, the abrasives are mixed with suspended liquid
to form semi liquid mixture. The general nature of flow through the machining, results in
fleeting wear of the nozzle which decrease the cutting performance. The inlet pressure of the
abrasive water suspension has main effect on the major destruction characteristics of the inner
surface of the nozzle. The aim of the project is to analyze the effect of inlet pressure on wall
shear and exit kinetic energy. The analysis could be carried out by changing the taper angle of
the nozzle, so as to obtain optimized process parameters for minimum nozzle wear. The two phase flow analysis would be carried by using computational fluid dynamics tool CFX. It is also used to analyze the flow characteristics of abrasive water jet machining on the inner surface of the nozzle. The availability of optimized process parameters of abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) is limited to water and experimental test can be cost prohibitive. In this
case, Computational fluid dynamics analysis would provide better results.