Temperature measurement during abrasive water jet machining (AWJM)

This study was undertaken to look for confirmation that heat transfer induced by abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) affects the microstructure of the material cut. The structure of S235JR carbon steel used in the experiments was reported to change locally in the jet impact zone due to the high concentration of energy generated during cutting with the abrasive water jet. It is assumed that some of the energy is transferred into the material in the form of heat. This is particularly true for materials of considerable thickness with a high thermal conductivity coefficient when cutting is performed at low speeds or with high abrasive consumption. The literature on the subject suggests that in AWJM there is little or no thermal energy effect on the microstructure of the material cut. The research described here involved the measurement of the cutting temperature with thermocouples placed at four different distances from the edge. The distances were measured using computed tomography inspection. The thermocouples used in the tests were capable of detecting temperatures of up to 100 degrees C. Locally, temperatures at the edge may reach much higher values. The results of the X-ray diffraction qualitative phase analysis reveal that locally the temperatures may be much higher than the eutectoid temperature. Phase changes occurred along the edge since austenite was observed. This suggests that the temperature in the jet impact zone was much higher than the eutectoid temperature. Optical microscopy was also employed to study the material microstructure. Finally, the material nanohardness was determined.Web of Science1520art. no. 708

Computed Tomography and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of a Friction Stir Welded Al-Cu Joint

The study aimed touse3D computed tomography (CT) to analyse a joint between two dissimilar materials produced by friction stir welding (FSW). As the materials joined, i.e., aluminum and copper, differ in properties (e.g., density and melting point), the weld is predicted to have an inhomogeneous microstructure. The investigations involved applying microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) to visualize and analyze the volumetric structure of the joint. Volume rendering is extremely useful because, unlike computer modelling, which requires many simplifications, it helps create highly accurate representations of objects. Image segmentation into regions was performed through global gray-scale thresholding. The analysis also included elemental mapping of the weld cross-sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and examination of its surface morphology by means of optical microscopy (OP). The joint finds its use in developing elements used in the chemical, energetics and aerospace industries, due to the excellent possibilities of combining many different properties, and above all, reducing the weight of the structure

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) forces-indicator of cutting system malfunction

Measurements enabling the online monitoring of the abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting process are still under development. This paper presents an experimental method which can be applicable for the evaluation of the AWJ cutting quality through the measurement of forces during the cutting process. The force measuring device developed and patented by our team has been used for measurement on several metal materials. The results show the dependence of the cutting to deformation force ratio on the relative traverse speed. Thus, the force data may help with a better understanding the interaction between the abrasive jet and the material, simultaneously impacting the improvement of both the theoretical and empirical models. The advanced models could substantially improve the selection of suitable parameters for AWJ cutting, milling or turning with the desired quality of product at the end of the process. Nevertheless, it is also presented that force measurements may detect some undesired effects, e.g., not fully penetrated material and/or some product distortions. In the case of a proper designing of the measuring device, the force measurement can be applied in the online monitoring of the cutting process and its continuous control.Web of Science147art. no. 168

Influence of EDM Process Parameters on the Surface Finish of Alnico Alloys

This article deals with electrical discharge machining (EDM) of an alnico alloy, focusing on how key process parameters affect the surface finish. The experiments were conducted using a BP93L EDM machine. The Box–Behnken design was employed to study the effects of three factors, i.e., spark current, pulse-on time, and pulse-off time, each at three levels, on the surface quality. A specially designed system was employed to increase the effectiveness of the machining process by imparting an additional rotary motion to the tool and an additional rotary motion to the workpiece. The aim was to efficiently remove the eroded metal particles and create a surface with smaller craters. The workpiece surface roughness was measured with a Talysurf CCI lite non-contact profiler. During this precision machining process, the arithmetical mean height (Sa) was less than 1 µm. The surface quality was examined also using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The experimental data were analyzed by means of Statistica to determine and graphically represent the relationships between the input and output parameters

The safety of motorcycle users

There are more and more motorcycles on the roads. This can be seen, for example, on the basis of statistical data from the Central Statistical Office, where newly registered two-wheelers are presented. Based on the data, it can be seen that there are more and more newly registered motorcycles every year and that there are many road accidents involving two-wheelers. According to data provided by the WHO, as many as 28% of fatalities in road accidents are motorcycle drivers [10]. The article below presents a review of the literature related to motorcycle crash tests and the dummies used for the tests. The work presents the most important standard that regulates how motorcycle crash tests are performed. The main purpose of the article is to draw attention to the problem of safety of motorcycle users. The text describes various crash tests of two-wheelers and stands used for testing motorcycles. The work presents a dummy specially designed for crash tests involving motorcycles. Differences between this dummy and other dummies used have also been described. The paper discusses the literature and describes research related to crash tests

Effects of EDM on the Chemical Composition and Microstructure of the Surface Layer of Alnico Alloys

This article deals with the effects of electrical discharge machining (EDM) on the chemical composition and microstructure of cast Alnico alloys, i.e., iron-based alloys composed of aluminum, nickel and cobalt. The experiments focused on determining the chemical composition of the surface layer before and after the EDM process. The microstructure of the material altered by the EDM was also examined. The study included measurement of the thickness of the white layer characteristic of EDM. It is evident that low values of the surface roughness parameters can be obtained by correctly selecting the EDM process parameters. The average surface roughness reported in the experiments was 1 μm. The surface roughness measurements were conducted with a Talysurf CCI lite non-contact profiler. The metrological results also indicate that lower surface roughness can be obtained at small discharge energies

Influence of local temperature changes on the material microstructure in abrasive water jet machining (AWJM)

This article considers effects of local heat transfer taking place insteel cutting by abrasive water jet machining (AWJM). The influence of temperature changes during AWJM has not been investigated thoroughly. Most studies on AWJM suggest that thermal energy has little or no effect on the material cut. This study focused on the analysis of the material microstructure and indentation microhardness in the jet impact zone and the adjacent area. The structure features revealed through optical metallography and scanning microscopy suggest local temperature changes caused by the impact of the abrasive water jet against the workpiece surface. From the microscopic examinationand hardness tests, it is clear that, during the process, large amounts of energy were transferred locally. The mechanical stress produced by the water jet led to plastic deformation at and near the surface. This was accompanied by the generation and transfer of large amounts of heat resulting in a local rise in temperature to 450 degrees C or higher.Web of Science1418art. no. 539