Progress in the Modeling of Abrasive Jet Machining

Most existing models for abrasive jet machining (AJM) are based on erosion models for either ductile or brittle materials. This classification imposes some limitations, because most materials are neither absolutely ductile nor absolutely brittle, but lay within the continuous spectrum between those two idealizations. This work reports recent progress in the modeling of erosion processes for real materials, and discusses the implications of a new model in estimating the performance of AJM. The new model is more capable in explaining the effects of jet velocity, abrasive particle size, and various material properties on the efficiency of the cutting process.