Dynamic elastic-plastic analysis of 3D deformation in abrasive waterjet machining

Although several theoretical and experimental models have been developed fo r abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM), the exact nature of erosion is not ye t understood. This paper presents an attempt to model AWJM using the finite element method (FEM) in order to explain the abrasive particle-workpiece i nteraction process. Also, the model predicts the depth of deformation as a result of abrasive particle impact. The main objective is to develop an FE model which would enable the prediction of the depth of cut without any cut ting experiments. The new model takes into account the precise representati on of the constitutive behavior of the workpiece material under AWJ dynamic loading conditions which was ignored in the previous AWJM models. In the p resent model, forces acting on the abrasive particle need not be initially determined, as in previous AWJM studies, as they are automatically calculat ed at each time step. The results show that plastic deformation is very loc alized. Finally, the present FE results are consistent with experimental re sults. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.