Abstract
Abstract
A computational fluid dynamics analysis has been conducted for the steady state, turbulent, solid-liquid flow through nozzles used in premixed abrasive water jet cutting systems. The development of a theoretical approach to the evaluation of turbulent flow and particle dynamic properties in the nozzles is attractive because of the difficulties associated with direct measurements in nozzles of high flow speed and small dimension. Axisymmetric simulations have been performed with the commercial code FIDAP, using the standard k-∊ turbulence model. One-way coupling was considered in the simulations, which means that the effect of the presence of the dispersed solid phase on the dynamics of the liquid phase was neglected. The velocities and trajectories of solid particles were predicted. The effects of nozzle geometry on particle dynamic properties were studied. The predictions have been compared with available experimental and theoretical results published by other investigators. This modelling technique will assist in the nozzle design of premixed abrasive water jet systems and the prediction of jet cutting performance.