Numerical simulation and experimental study of the interaction between a pure high-velocity waterjet and targets: contribution to investigate the decoating process

A numerical study of the high-velocity waterjet action on elastic–plastic targets is presented. The Ls-dyna3D code, which is a finite element model, constitutes the engine of this computation. Two case studies are dealt with. They concern the action of high liquid velocity on both uncoated and polyurethane-coated alloy Aluminium sheets (A2024T3). An Eulerian/Lagrangian coupling based on momentum conservation is used to handle the waterjet and target interaction. These calculations make it possible to analyse accurately the behaviours of both the jet and the targets. Damaged zones can be thus localised on impinged materials. Furthermore, a criterion, which involves the failure of Lagrangian elements, is introduced in order to simulate the target erosion state under waterjet impact.