Fluid–solid coupling analysis of submerged water jet cavitation micro-forming

Abstract

Submerged cavitating waterjet micro-forming is a novel jetting technology. Existing detection devices cannot accurately detect bubble distribution in still water domains and target workpiece processing areas. To investigate bubble generation and distribution in still water domains and their influence on target micro-forming, a submerged cavitating waterjet micro-forming fluid–solid coupling numerical model was established in this paper. The distribution of submerged cavitating waterjet cavitation effects and the hammering of micro waterjets on metal plates under the action of cavitation bubbles, as well as the coupled forces, were analyzed. The results show that bubble distribution in still water domains is closely related to turbulence, vortices, and pressure distributions. The collapse of cavitation bubbles generates enormous pressure, and the pressure generated by the collapse of cavitation bubbles causes the micro waterjet hammers to produce annular deformation zones on the metal plates. The bubble distribution laws and theoretical basis of cavitation micro-forming technology in submerged waterjets are provided in this study, which has very important engineering application significance.