Project. 1 Static Pressure Distribution in AWJ Cutting Heads - Without Abrasive

1. Reason for Project

1. To better understand the fluid dynamics of AWJ cutting heads.
2. To establish whether AWJ cutting heads belong to a unique class of fluid dynamic components - entrainment cutting heads.
3. To act as a pilot study for studies using abrasives.

2. Background Information

Understanding flow behaviour in fluid dynamic components relies on measuring flows to a component and static pressures along flow passage walls within in a component. Ideally static pressure measurements are supplemented by point velocity measurements within flow passages.

Because of the aggressive and multi-phase nature of cutting head flows, point velocity measurements are not practical within cutting head flow passages . A detailed knowledge of static pressures in cutting head flow passages is, therefore, the best means of inferring events within cutting heads.

Based on geometric considerations, AWJ cutting heads do not belong to the jet pump family. Measurement of static pressures in AWJ cutting heads, without abrasive flow, will be sufficient to confirm that their mode of operation is different from jet pumps.

Measuring static pressures with abrasive flow and inferring flow events is a challenging project. It is, therefore, desirable to carry out pilot studies without abrasive to determine geometric arrangements to be investigated with abrasive flow and to develop experimental techniques.