Material removal mechanisms of ceramics turned by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) using a novel approach

Ceramics are the most typical difficult-to-machine materials for high-performance applications. The paper utilized AWJ to turn the alumina ceramics. A prediction model of the depth of penetration (DOP) after AWJ turning of alumina ceramic was established. The variation trends of predicted and experimental results with respect to process parameters were consistent. Within the range of this study, it may be stated that the developed model can achieve good predictions both qualitatively and quantitatively. The material removal mechanism of alumina ceramics turned by AWJ was also analyzed. The turned surface topography analysis showed that the main removal mechanism of alumina ceramics in turning was plastic shearing at a shallow nozzle tilt angle but brittle fracture at a larger nozzle tilt angle. Through the analysis of chip morphology during AWJ turning, it was proved that the removal mechanism of ceramics turned by AWJ was mixed (brittle fracture and plastic shear). Gained predicted model and material removal mechanisms will provide more details to understand and improve the AWJ turning technology.

Automated summary

The study established a prediction model for depth of penetration after AWJ turning of alumina ceramic and analyzed the material removal mechanism. The predicted model showed good results and indicated a mixed removal mechanism of brittle fracture and plastic shear for alumina ceramics turned by AWJ.