Instantaneous Photographic Observation of Abrasive Water Suspension Jets : Influence of Abrasive Particle on Jet Structure

Experimental studies are performed in order to clarify the effects of abrasive particle on the structure of the abrasive water suspension jet. Observations of jets are conducted at the injection pressure of 12 MPa for seven types of abrasives: two types of steel bead, two types of alumina, two types of glass bead, and one type of plastic shot. The experiments show that the jet structure is greatly affected by the particle type and the concentration of the abrasive. By using smaller abrasive particles, the jet can be made more compact, whereas larger abrasive particles tend to promote jet breakup. These tendencies are noticeable in the case of high-density abrasive.