The Phase II effort will address three basic topics related to the abrasive suspension jet (ABJ) process. First, a study will be conducted on suspension preparation and the effect of rheological characteristics on jet coherency and cutting performance. The rheological characteristics of the suspension will be modeled and correlated with the jet's structure and the resultant machining performance. The second topic is related to nozzle optimization and jet flow modeling and will also involve exploring alternative nozzle concepts and new materials. The suspension acceleration process and the jet's structure will be modeled. The third area of study will address the jet-material interaction process for cutting and drilling. Previously developed abrasive water jet (AWJ) models will be used to guide the development of an ASJ cutting prediction model. Jet and jet- material interface visualization techniques will be used in this program. The results of this work will be used in parallel engineering efforts on pump development for commercialization. The technology developed under this program will have significant direct and indirect effects in several commercial fields. The high-velocity flow of ASJs will introduce a new cutting beam to the machining industry. The ASJ beam is highly efficient and capable of machining any material. Cutting, drilling, turning, milling, polishing, deburring, and other machining operations could be performed with the same tool.
