FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTING PARTICLE-LADEN JETFLOW BY FRACTAL POINT SETS AND PREDICTING 3D SOLID-EROSION RATES

A theoretical framework is established for constructing arbitrary part icle-laden jetflow by means of fractal sets in the sense of average sc ale. This novel approach involves three main coherent components, in w hich one (1) searches for an appropriate original point set and confir ms its intrinsic properties such as chaos, symmetry and density distri bution; (2) derives governing equations for the formation of new point sets with any geometric configuration and desired normal velocity pro file so that they can physically and geometrically represent particle motion on the cross-section of jetflow; and (3) develops the constitut ive equations of particle-target interaction with erosion histories of particles and introduces the memory-element technique to handle the c haotic penetrating capabilities of millions of particles. Based on the se results, the model is applied to predict the erosion rate in a dril ling operation by abrasive waterjet. Results show that theory is consi stent with experiments of drilling glass and titanium. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science Ltd All rights reserved.