Surface properties and fatigue failure analysis of alloy 718 surfaces milled by abrasive and plain waterjet

Abstract

This work analyzes the surfaces obtained in alloy 718 when they are milled by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) at different conditions, and the effect of main process parameters on the characteristics of these surfaces. This analysis revealed that all surfaces have a homogeneous roughness in the transversal and the longitudinal directions, present embedded abrasive particles and have hardened about 50% with respect to the untreated bulk alloy 718. In addition, plain waterjet (PWJ) technology was used for removing the abrasive particles embedded in surfaces of alloy 718 milled previously by AWJ technology. The effect of this process on the surface characteristics is also analyzed. For all tested conditions, this technology removed all the particles embedded in the surface. In addition, the PWJ technology process in general smoothened the surfaces produced by AWJ milling and it also released near-surface stress. Finally, fatigue tests revealed lower performance of the treated specimens in comparison to untreated specimens, due to crack-like surface irregularities introduced by the treatments.