The use of an abrasive waterjet system at 700 bar for the cutting of military munitions as part of a demilitarization program

摘要

The use of abrasive waterjets for cutting into munitions of varying types as part of the decommissioning process is becoming more common. The performance of one such system, operated at 700 bar is discussed, from the aspect of cutting performance in sectioning 40-mm shells. The amount of sparking generated, and the thermal buildup of heat on the inner wall of the munition is discussed, as part of the evaluation of process risk. An apparatus to remotely cut shells is described, and its performance with different grit types and sizes evaluated.