Process mechanism in ultrasonic cavitation assisted fluid jet polishing

Material removal rate in fluid jet polishing is significantly enhanced when ultrasonic cavitation bubbles are introduced at the nozzle outlet. In this paper, two theories are put forward to explain the process mechanism: a micro-scale hypothesis in which the surface is micro-jetted by collapsing bubbles, and a macro-scale hypothesis in which vibration of the fluid in the impingement region increases abrasive particle erosive action. Experimental investigation suggests the higher likelihood of the macro-scale phenomenon, and a material removal model is proposed accordingly. Process footprints simulated by this model were found to agree well with experimental measurements.