• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (9): 46-77.doi: 10.3901/JME.2025.09.046

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Abrasive Waterjet Machining — State of the Art and Future Perspectives

WANG Jun1,2, JING Yanyan1,2, DU Xinhao1,2, ZHENG Lijuan1,2, WANG Chengyong1,2, CHEN Ping3   

  1. 1. School of Electromechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006;
    2. State Key Laboratory for High Performance Tools (Guangdong University of Technology), Guangzhou 510006;
    3. Shenyang All-Powerful Science and Technology Stock Co., Ltd., Shenyang 110170
  • Received:2024-05-16 Revised:2024-10-18 Published:2025-06-12

Abstract: Owing to its various distinct advantages, the abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining technology has been increasingly used in industry. It is gaining particular favour in the machining of thermal sensitive and advanced materials where it has demonstrated as one of the most effective technologies to machine difficult-to-machine materials. Since the advent of the AWJ machining technology, a lot of research efforts have been undertaken to understand the science associated with AWJ machining, which has enabled the technology to be developed as a widely used one. To facilitate future research, this study reviews, analyzes and discusses the investigations that have been undertaken in relation to AWJ machining, covering the formation principle, flow field characteristics and impact characteristics of high-pressure waterjet and AWJ, the fluid dynamics and energy transfer on the jet impact zone, the microscopic materials removal mechanism and macroscopic kerf formation mechanism under AWJ impacts, as well as the technologies and processes that have been developed in the last decades. It provides good support to future research both theoretically and technologically. Finally, how the AWJ technology may develop and the possible research directions in the near future are proposed.

Key words: abrasive waterjet, waterjet flow, waterjet impact, impact erosion, machining, material removal

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