Assessment of the effectiveness of high-pressure water jet machining generated using self-excited pulsating heads

Abstract

AbstractThe article presents the research findings on the process of machining with a pulsating water jet. The study determined the influence of water velocity and pressure, providing insights into the dynamics of pulsating water jets. An evaluation of the generation process of pulsating water jets was conducted for various models of self-excited pulsating heads. The aim was to determine the impact of geometric parameters of the self-excited pulsating head and hydrodynamic working conditions on the performance of such a head, the dynamic characteristics of the water jet it produces, and its technological suitability for material erosion. In the first stage, simulation studies were carried out for three models of self-excited pulsating heads. Based on these studies, a solution with appropriate geometry was selected. Subsequently, experimental studies were conducted using the self-excited head and dedicated research setups. For the selected solution of the self-excited pulsating head, pulse durations, jet thrust forces, and frequency variations for different working pressure values were determined. The analysis showed a correlation between the geometric parameters of the head, pressure changes, and the characteristics of the generated pulses in the pulsed water jets. Pulse generation was made possible by increasing the water flow through side openings. Pulses with greater water volume exhibited increased erosive potential, particularly noticeable at higher pressures. It was found that pressure changes also affect the pulse frequency, with shorter intervals observed at lower pressures and longer intervals at higher pressures. The results presented in the paper highlight the importance of tool geometry and changes in water pressure at the inlet to the self-excited pulsating heads and the dynamics of the pulsed water jet. Research on the pulse generation mechanism and the assessment of erosive potential can form the basis for optimizing the design and operation of pulsating water jets in surface machining. This comprehensive understanding underpins the enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness of pulsating water jet applications in various industrial and manufacturing processes.