Effect of water jet orifice geometry on jet behaviour and cutting capability

The internal geometry of water jet orifices is important to determine water velocity and structure of the jet: the geometrical features of orifices, such as diameter, rounding of the entrance edge, taper angle of internal walls and so on, play an important role under the fluid-dynamic point of view and, consequently, on water velocity and jet behaviour in air, which are responsible for the available value of specific power on the workpiece. The aim of this study is to experimentally evidence possible differences among performances of orifices coming from different manufacturers in order to point out the effects of orifices geometrical features on water velocity and cutting capability in case of abrasive water jet cutting of Aluminium.