Investigation on erosion mechanism in ultrasonic assisted abrasive waterjet machining

The abrasive erosion mechanism in ultrasonic assisted abrasive waterjet machining is investigated in the present study. The process was theoretically analyzed and a numerical model for the abrasive particle impact process considering the target workpiece vibration was developed. A time-dependent load was imposed on the model boundary to apply the vibration. The model was utilized to investigate the response of target material with explicit dynamic method. Effects of ultrasonic vibration and other process parameters on the material removal and response such as residual stress were investigated. Analysis on erosion process by multiple particles in ultrasonic vibration assisted AWJ was also carried out. The model was finally verified by experiments. The results indicate that the application of ultrasonic vibration can enhance the material removal capacity of the abrasive particle and intensify the material deformation.