Method for machining an inner diameter of bored structures using an abrasive jet
An abrasive jet apparatus configured to machine features into an inner diameter of bored structures. In the abrasive jet apparatus, an abrasive mixture of pressurized liquid and abrasive particles is propelled as an abrasive jet in a direction other than the direction in which the abrasive jet apparatus extends. The abrasive jet apparatus may be implemented in an automated boring system and boring method for machining rifling grooves and other features into bored structures. The boring system and boring method use an iterative process of mapping a target surface of the bored structure and adjusting parameters of the boring system in between successive passes of the abrasive jet on the target surface.
1. A method of performing at least one of machining rifling features into and changing of a bored structure, the method comprising:
receiving first data indicating an initial bore profile of the bored structure and second data from an input device indicating a desired bore profile of the bored structure;
rotating one of an abrasive jet apparatus and the bored structure about an axis of rotation relative to an other of the abrasive jet apparatus and the bored structure;
positioning the abrasive jet apparatus within the bore of the bored structure; and
responsive to the first data and the second data:
(i) moving the abrasive jet apparatus along a first direction within the bore of the bored structure, wherein the first direction is a direction along or parallel to a central axis of the bore,
(ii) controlling a rate of rotation of the one of the abrasive jet apparatus and the bored structure,
(iii) directing an abrasive mixture as an abrasive jet from a nozzle portion of the abrasive jet apparatus in a second direction different than the first direction, the abrasive jet forming a recess on a target surface of the bore of the bored structure, and the abrasive mixture is a mixture of a pressurized liquid and abrasive particles,
(iv) measuring dimensions of the recess formed on the target surface using a non-contact sensor,
(v) determining whether the measured dimensions of the recess are acceptable based on the desired bore profile of the bored structure, and
(vi) as a result of the controller determining that the recess is not acceptable, repeating steps (i)-(iii) to adjust the dimensions of the recess on the target surface.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein steps (i)-(vi) are repeated until the measured dimensions of the recess correspond to the desired bore profile.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressurized liquid is pressurized to a pressure between 10,000 pounds per square inch and 120,000 pounds per square inch, inclusive.