The abrasive waterjet technology (AWJ) is one of the most flexible techniques available in manufacturing industries. It is a non-traditional method of machining which offers a productive alternative to conventional techniques. Aerospace composite materials although possessing special properties such as high strength to weight ratio and stability, are known to be difficult to machine, or even impossible to be machined by conventional methods. However, by using abrasive waterjet these composite materials can be efficiently machined. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review with various applications of abrasive waterjet technology in aerospace and aircraft industries and the advantages and existing problems are addressed. A focus is placed on the challenging three-dimensional waterjet trials and due to its much more complexity involved, very little work has been done so far. In this paper several different three-dimensional components were used for testing. The following subjects were studied: Off-line programming and simulation using IGRIP software, setup and control of the three-dimensional system etc. Other issues such as fixture and guarding of exposed surfaces from the waterjet were also investigated and these involve fixture and catcher design and manufacturing. Finally, a few two-dimensional and three-dimensional abrasive waterjet machining conclusions and future research work are given that reflect our ongoing research at Swinburne University of Technology.
Abrasive waterjet technology in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing industries
Wasserabrasivstrahltechnologie für die Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie
2002
10 Seiten, 13 Bilder, 18 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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