Surface quality analysis of abrasive waterjet cutting on AA5083 aluminium alloy

This research scrutinises the influence of abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJ) process parameters in the surface quality resultant from the cutting of the AA5083 aluminium alloy. The objective was to explore the influence of transverse speed (Vf), abrasive mass flow rate (ṁA), working pressure of the waterjet (P), and standoff distance (ds) (input variables) on various defects, including kerf width (kw), perpendicular deviation (u), initial zone (DIDR depth and WIDR width), and final damage zone (DFDR depth and WFDR width). X-ray micro-computed tomography analysed cut surface images. Average values obtained indicated an initial damage zone with a depth of 0.254 mm and a width of 0.242 mm, a final damage zone with a depth of 0.137 mm and a width of 0.245 mm, a perpendicular deviation of 0.318 mm, and a kerf width of 1.224 mm. ANOVA revealed that the distance parameter held the utmost significance in influencing defects.