Investigation of effects of the parametric changes and material textural properties on the cutting performance in rock cutting by abrasive waterjet (awj)

In this study; effects of the parametric changes and the material textural properties on the cutting performance in abrasive waterjet cutting of rock are investigated. Experimental studies are conducted on the basis of Taguchi design approach. The cut and cutting wear zone depth, the kerf width, the kerf angle and the surface roughness of each sample are measured as cutting performance indicators. Effects of the parametric changes and material textural properties on the cutting performance are assessed by mean of means. Additionally, the control factors being statistically significant on the process are determined through the analysis of variance (ANOVA). When the results are examined, it is seen that the effects of the parametric changes on the performance indicators are in accordance with the results of the studies existing in relevant literature. As a result of ANOVA, it is determined that the control factors which have statistically high significance on cutting performance indicators are the traverse speed, the abrasive size and the standoff distance. Furthermore; a consistent relation between the minerals? compositions forming the rock and cutting performance indicators could not be established. Additionally, it is observed that the cutting performance indicators are dramatically affected by the grain size of the rock and spatial arrangement of the grains.