Experimental Investigation on Cryogenic Assisted Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the abrasive water jet cutting performance by the application of a cryogenic liquid nitrogen jet in the cutting process. This technique was developed for improving the process capability of conventional abrasive water jet machining and enable a higher depth of cut and material removal rate, and better kerf profile and surface integrity. The experiments were conducted on AA5083-H32 aluminium alloy, using two different cutting methods, namely, abrasive water jet cutting and cryogenic assisted abrasive water jet cutting. Both cutting conditions were investigated by varying the water jet pressure, the abrasive mesh size and the abrasive water jet impact angle. Optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy was used for studying the micro structure and morphology of the cut surfaces under both cutting conditions. There was an improvement in cutting performance features such as depth of penetration, material removal rate and kerf profile with the use of cryogenic assistance cutting approach. These results were produced due to the beneficial modification of erosion mechanism in the cutting zone as well as a reduction in particle embedment with the cut surface by about 56%.