Parameter estimation for abrasive water jet machining process using neural networks

The abrasive water jet machining process, a material removal process, uses a high velocity jet of water and an abrasive particle mixture. The estimation of appropriate values of the process parameters is an essential step toward an effective process performance. This has led to the development of numerous mathematical and empirical models. However, the complexity of the process confines the use of these models for limited operating conditions; e.g., some of these models are valid for special material combinations while others are based on the selection of only the most critical variables such as pump pressure, traverse rate, abrasive mass flow rate and others that affect the process. Furthermore, these models may not be generalized to other operating conditions. In this respect, a neural network approach has been proposed in this paper. Two neural network approaches, backpropagation and radial basis function networks, are proposed. The results from these two neural network approaches are compared with that from the linear and non-linear regression models. The neural networks provide a better estimation of the parameters for the abrasive water jet machining process.