Abstract
The abrasive mixing variables, such as the abrasive and water flow rates and the focus geometry parameters, determine the profitability of an abrasive waterjet system. In this study, the mixing efficiency characteristics in abrasive waterjet rock cutting were investigated. To demonstrate comprehensively the efficiency reduction due to collision during abrasive mixing, the chance of collision was expressed as the distance between the abrasive particles in the focus. The mixing efficiency was then assessed by utilizing the empirical relationship between the experimental results and the developed model. Based on the particle density and the velocity, the closer particles showed higher chances of collision, thus yielding a reduced cutting performance. Using the distance between particles model, the optimum abrasive flow rate and the cutting performance of abrasive waterjet systems can be estimated. This developed model can be used for the design selection of abrasive flow rate and systems for the cost-effective use of abrasive waterjets.
Highlights
Abrasive waterjets are used to cut target materials using high-velocity abrasives by accelerating them with high-pressure and high-velocity water
The maximum cutting depth occurs at a large focus diameter, and the optimum abrasive flow rate (AFR)
The results of this study can be used for geotechnical application such as improved abrasive waterjet rock excavation
Summary
Abrasive waterjets are used to cut target materials using high-velocity abrasives by accelerating them with high-pressure and high-velocity water. Such waterjets are mainly used for cutting metals and ceramics, their geotechnical applications such as rock cutting, excavation, asphalt resurfacing, pavement adhesion improvement, and road stripe removal have recently increased [1,2,3]. Abrasive waterjets are suitable for urban construction because of their low noise and vibration compared to those in mechanical excavation (e.g., rock blasting and breaking). The abrasive cost can be reduced by using the optimum abrasive flow rate (AFR) and by using a system design with a high mixing efficiency. The optimum AFR has been estimated at the maximum cutting rate. If 80% of the maximum cutting rate is achieved with 50% of the optimum AFR, the economical AFR is 50% of the optimum AFR
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