Abstract
The effects of the impact angles of an abrasive water jet (AWJ) stream on the depth of groove and the worn volume of Si3N4 ceramics have been studied. Two kinds of Si3N4 ceramics, β-Si3N4 and α′/β′-Sialon, were eroded by AWJs using two kinds of particles, Al2O3 (WA) and SiC. The angles of the jet stream, which correspond with the angle of an abrasive nozzle, to the specimen were 45°, 60°, 90°, 120° and 135°. The effects of the jet stream angles were very different according to the particle. It was suggested that this difference was caused by the difference in fracture strength between the particles. The groove depth and the worn volume were strongly affected by secondary wear, when the particle was SiC. Considering the uniformity of groove depth and width, the best angle of the abrasive nozzle to cut Si3N4 ceramics was thougth to be 90°.
