Effect of helium atmospheres on abrasive suspension water jets

The coherence of cutting pure water jets can be enhanced by shooting them into low-density atmospheres. To answer the question about the possibility to also improve the coherence of abrasive water suspension jets (AWSJ), experiments were performed surrounding AWSJs with a parallel stream of helium. Although in some cases a change on the structure of the jets was recognized, the studied jets shot into helium atmospheres did not show appreciable improvements on their cutting and kerfing performance.