Liquid impact erosion of Al-Mg and Al-Cu alloys

The response of Al-Mg and Al-Cu alloys to multiple liquid impact in the velocity range 90 –148 m s^?1 has been investigated. The variation in erosion rate with Al-Mg composition is discussed in terms of a change in the erosion mechanism from ductile rupture of small particles to the removal of whole grains by intercrystalline fracture. This transition occurs with both increased magnesium content and increased velocity of impact. In contrast, Al-4%Cu fails by a mixture of ductile rupture and transgranular fracture The latter mode exhibits river patterns typical of cleavage but occasionally fatigue-like striations are also visible.