Transient Flow in Abrasive Suspension Jet Cutting Machines on Pump Shutdown

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the transient flow, on pump shut-down, in abrasive suspension jet cutting machines as part of an effort to develop a fine-beam cutting system. The analysis was motivated by a need to clearly understand the problem of line and nozzle clogging, which would be magnified by the higher operating pressures and the use of smaller nozzles for fine-beam systems. Simulation studies show that currently recommended means of avoiding this problem may not be adequate. Using the tools developed for this study, more positive mechanisms and a proposed system to counter this problem were investigated.