Dimensionless modeling and optimum design of waterjet cutting systems

The study reported in this thesis deals with the development of generalized dimensionless empirical equations for use in water jet cutting and drilling operations with and without abrasives.; The equations take into consideration all the significant parameters in the design of the jet and the cutting parameters for slotting and drilling. Data from experiments are used to develop a single dimensionless relationship for cutting Berea sandstone, Barre granite, White marble and Wilkeson sandstone using Silica sand and Garnet as abrasives.; The equations are in essentially perfect correlation for the cases of water jet linear cutting and excellent agreement within {dollar}pm{dollar}10% in the worst case of drilling for all the published experimental data utilized in the study. The developed relationships should provide a valuable tool for practical design and further research on jet cutting.