JOURNAL ARTICLE

Macro- and micro-erosion characteristics of ultrasonic pulsed waterjets impacting 6061 aluminum alloy.

  • Published In: Physics of Fluids, 2025, v. 37, n. 5. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Cai, Jingrun; Xiong, Jie; Li, Deng; Ma, Yanzhao; Wang, Zhiqiang 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the erosion performance of the ultrasonic pulsed waterjet (UPWJ), focusing on the effects of waterjet pressure and standoff distance (SOD) on aluminum alloy 6061. The study finds that UPWJ exhibits superior erosion capability compared to continuous waterjet (CWJ) at low pressures, increasing the minimum pressure required for material breakdown and enhancing material removal rate by up to 43.3%, with improved energy efficiency (over 30% reduction in specific energy consumption at 20 MPa). Optimal erosion occurs when the SOD allows steady pulsation of the UPWJ, while at higher pressures, the advantage of ultrasound diminishes due to weakened pulsation formation. Microstructural analysis reveals that UPWJ induces more pronounced surface damage characterized by pits, voids, and material buildup, attributed to greater water hammer pressure causing compressive stress and crack propagation.

Additional Information

  • Source:Physics of Fluids. 2025/05, Vol. 37, Issue 5, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Physics
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1070-6631
  • DOI:10.1063/5.0272521
  • Accession Number:185593695
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