The effects of system and geometric parameters on abrasive water jet nozzle wear

Nozzle wear dependence on abrasive water jet system parameters and nozzle geometry is experimentally investigated. Experimental procedures for evaluating long term and accelerated nozzle wear are discussed. Accelerated wear tests are conducted to study the effects of nozzle length, inlet angle, diameter, orifice diameter, abrasive flow rate, and water pressure on wear. An empirical model for nozzle weight loss rate is developed and is shown to correlate well with experimental measurements. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd