Finite element analysis of single-particle impact in abrasive water jet machining

This contribution presents an explicit finite element analysis (FEA) of a single abrasive particle impact on stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) in abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining. In the experimental verification, the shapes of craters on the workpiece material were observed and compared with FEA simulation results by means of crater sphericity. The influences of the impact angle and particle velocity were observed. Especially the impact angle emerged as a very suitable process parameter for experimental verification of FEA simulation, where crater sphericity was observed. Results of the FEA simulation are in good agreement with those obtained from the experimental verification. The presented work gives the basis for further FEA investigation of AWJ machining, where influences such as particles rotation and other process parameters will be observed.