Theoretical Analysis of the Mechanical Effects of Water Jet

Abstract

The mechanical characteristics and stress state caused by water jet loading are influenced by many factors that have restricted studies on the jet mechanism. Using the basic theory of elasticity and fluid dynamics, the mechanical effects of water jet loading are analyzed. Based on the simplified jet distribution pressure, the elastic analytical solution of the stress distribution in a semi-infinite plane under the jet distribution pressure is derived, and the stress distribution characteristics are discussed. In addition, the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion served as a fracture criterion, enabling establishment of the relationship between jet pressure and rock strength. The results indicate that the compressive stress is symmetrically distributed around the jet axis with the maximum at the center. Conversely, the shear stress is Anti-symmetrically distributed around the jet axis with the maximum at the point (0.5r, ± 0.65r). The initial fracture of rock under the impact of water jet is mainly shear compression failure. The Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion is useful for estimating the relationships between the rock failure zone diameter with the water jet impact pressure.