Evaluation of possibility of AISI 304 stainless steel mechanical surface treatment with ultrasonically enhanced pulsating water jet

Abstract

Experimental study described in this article is focused on evaluation of dynamic effect of PWJ on disintegration efficiency on AISI 304 stainless steel surface. AISI304 stainless steel was disintegrated with circular nozzle diameter 1.19 mm, pressure 70 MPa, frequency 20.25 kHz and traverse speed 100 mm.s−1 (202 impacts per millimeter). Disintegration efficiency was evaluated based on surface and subsurface characteristics. Surface characteristics were evaluated based on surface topography and roughness parameters Ra [μm], Rz [μm], Rp [μm] and Rv [μm] comparison of disintegrated and non-affected area. Subsurface changes in material structure were described based on metallographic analysis and hardness measurement HV0.2 under the eroded area. The results of the disintegration efficiency evaluation of AISI 304 stainless steel surface show that was no massive erosion of material. Surface quality was slightly changed. Small microscopic craters were predominantly created on surface. Craters were characterized with predominant pitting mechanism and prevails fracture mechanism of material removal.