| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Peninsula Technikon, 1999 === The simulation of Plasma Arc Cutting is presented in this study. The plasma arc cutting
process employs a plasma torch with a very narrow bore to produce a transferred arc to
the workpiece. A technique for modelling plasma arc cutting has been developed by
applying the thermo-metallurgical model to the process and integrating a model of
material removal to this model. The model is solved using the finite element method
using the FE package SYSWORLD, more specifically SYSWELD. The objective is to
determine the minimum energy required to cut a plate of some thickness using this
virtual model. The characteristics of the cut need to exhibit the characteristics of a "high
quality cut". The model presented can predict the kerf size given certain process
variable settings. The numerical results obtained are assessed by conducting
experiments.
By maintaining Ill1rumum energy input cost savings can be made through energy
savings, limiting additional finishing processes and reducing expense of shortening the
electrode and nozzle lifetimes. The modelling of the PAC process using virtual design
techniques provides a cost-effective solution to the manufacturing industries with
respect to process specification development. This plays an important role in South
Africa's transition into a competitive global market. It is envisaged that the model will
provide an alternative more efficient, non-destructive means of determining the
optimum process variable settings for the plasma arc cutting process.
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