Particle-size distribution influence in high-speed erosion of aluminium

The paper discusses the influence of the abrasive particle-size distribution on typical highspeed abrasive-waterjet erosion parameters. The size distributions of the used abrasive particles are modelled by a Rosin-Rammler-Sperling (RRSB) grain-size distribution containing the distribution parameters D and n. Both parameters are independently varied to characterise different particle-size distributions. Aluminium specimens are eroded by abrasive-waterjets at velocities of 320 m/s, and the erosion depth, depth distribution, and the surface roughness are measured. The depth distribution and the surface roughness are very sensitive to the particle-size distribution parameters, whereas the average erosion depth is not influenced significantly. These results offer the possibility to select an "optimum" grain-size distribution for maximum surface quality at fixed kinematics conditions.