Abstract
Abrasive waterjet cutting technology has come back into use in the field of rock excavation (such as for tunneling) due to the need for precision construction with low vibration. Because the abrasive particles play an important role in efficient erosion during the cutting process, the abrasive characteristics strongly affect the rock cutting performance. In this study, rock cutting tests were performed with five different coarse (40 mesh) garnets to explore the effect of the abrasive feed rate, physical properties, and particle size distribution on rock cutting performance. In addition, garnet particle disintegration was investigated with garnet characteristics for the abrasive waterjet. The test results indicate that the particle size distribution, garnet purity, specific gravity, and hardness are the most important parameters for rock cutting performance. This study offers better understanding of coarse garnet performance and efficiency according to the garnet characteristics. This should provide assistance in selection of the garnet needed to achieve the desired performance for hard rock cutting.
Highlights
Experimental ProgramE rock cutting tests were performed using a high pressure waterjet pump (50 HP intensifier pump)
Abrasive waterjet cutting technology has come back into use in the field of rock excavation due to the need for precision construction with low vibration
Rock cutting tests were performed with five different coarse (40 mesh) garnets to explore the effect of the abrasive feed rate, physical properties, and particle size distribution on rock cutting performance
Summary
E rock cutting tests were performed using a high pressure waterjet pump (50 HP intensifier pump). In the rock cutting test, water pressure was fixed at 250 MPa, and the water flow rate was set as 2.59 L/min (inner diameter of the orifice: 0.33 mm). E standoff distance, between the tip of the focusing tube and the target surface of the specimens, was kept constant at 200 mm; when the standoff distance is more than 300 mm, the cutting performance can be decreased for this waterjet system. To analyze the effect of the abrasive feed rate on cutting performance, the feed rate was initially adjusted (and checked regularly) to a fixed value of 5.4 ± 0.4 g/s and was increased approximately two times to 10.7 ± 0.8 g/s. Removal volume is defined as the volume excavated after cutting 100 mm. is was determined by pouring water into the open space and measuring it
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