Cavitation erosion in silicon nitride: Experimental investigations on the mechanism of material degradation

Test samples from three silicon nitride materials used for potential rolling element bearing applications were experimentally studied at different conditions to understand their mechanisms of cavitation erosion. High and low powered ultrasonic vibratory systems were adapted for this study. Variation in the properties and microstructure of test materials helped to identify the mechanisms of wear and the factors that provide resistance to cavitation. Multiple intergranular and transgranular fractures were noted as the initial stages of erosion. Dislodging of grains from the surface led to the formation of small scale pits, resulting in a rough surface, forming a favourable condition for bubble nucleation, which accelerated the damage, eventually dislodging more grains with noticeable pit proliferation and coalescence. Erosion formed a centre wear scar surrounded by pits due to the variation in fluid film thickness. Detailed surface analysis on eroded samples revealed the influence of microstructure on damage initiation and progression. Erosion rate decelerated and remained at a low level of material removal as wear pits grew deeper, creating a bubble cushioning effect.     

Material and velocity effects on cavitation erosion pitting

Cavitation erosion during the incubation period was investigated via pitting tests conducted on three different materials: an Aluminum alloy, a Nickel Aluminum Bronze alloy and a Duplex Stainless Steel. Pitting tests were conducted in a cavitation tunnel in the velocity range 45–90 m/s at a constant cavitation number. The test section was made of a straight nozzle 16 mm in diameter discharged into the radial 2.5 mm space between two flat walls. Cavitation appears in the form of a toroidal cavity attached to the nozzle exit and damage on the samples facing the nozzle is concentrated in a circular ring centered in the cavity closure region. The exposure time was adjusted to avoid pit overlapping. The material surface was examined using a conventional contact profilometer which allowed us to identify the pits, count them, and measure their main characteristics such as depth, surface area, and volume. From these the pitting rate, the coverage rate, and the depth of deformation rate were defined. Pits were classified according to their diameter. For all materials and operating conditions, pitting rate appears to follow an exponential law in relation to the pit diameter. This law depends upon two parameters only, which were identified as the coverage time τ (i.e. the time required for the surface to be covered by erosion pits) and a characteristic pit diameter δ, which corresponds to the pits whose contribution to the coverage process is the highest. Scaling laws for pitting were derived accounting for both material properties and flow velocity, and a procedure to make pitting test results non-dimensional is proposed. The influence of the material on pitting test results was analyzed. It is shown that the damage is not correlated in simple terms with the elastic limit determined from conventional tensile tests and it is conjectured that other parameters such as the strain rate might play a significant role and should be included in the analysis. The effect of flow velocity on both parameters τ and δ was analyzed and a classical power law was found for the influence of the flow velocity on pitting rate for all three materials. Finally, some analysis and discussion is given concerning distributions of pit volume and pit depth.     

Experimental and numerical investigations on development of cavitation erosion pits on solid surface

Polished, grinded, and milled samples made of 40Cr stainless steel were prepared for the cavitation erosion experiment. A typical phenomenon of “pits chain”, which consisted of two contact pits and a smaller pit on the ridge between them, was found on the sample surfaces after 15-minute experiment. Numerical simulation indicated that the pressure fluctuation caused by the sequentially formed pits on the solid surface was the main reason for the formation of the “pits chain”. It proves that the early-formed pits affect the formation of the subsequent erosion pits, and the whole cavitation erosion process is not a probability event. Based on the numerical analyses, the development of erosion is divided into four stages, which describe how a pit develops vertically and horizontally under the effect of the pressure perturbation. The development was validated by the characteristics of the damaged surface observed at different experimental time.     

Formation and Development of Iridescent Rings Around Cavitation Erosion Pits

The erosion pits formed in an ultrasound vibration cavitation were compared to those corrosion pits formed in static water. Concentric iridescent rings around the erosion pit make it different from those corrosion pits. The distinct color and the α-FeOOH structure of the rings indicated that the iridescent rings were oxidization film formed under high temperature generated in the cavitation environment. According to the direct observation on the development of the iridescent rings under microscope, the formation of the iridescent rings was attributed to the repeated interactions between mechanical removal and high temperature oxidization during the cavitation erosion. This work also illustrated the synergistic effect of erosion-enhanced corrosion during the cavitation erosion.     

Estimation of Incubation Time of Cavitation Erosion for Various Cavitating Conditions

Estimations have been made, resulting in a general method for the prediction of the incubation time for cavitation erosion using various cavitating conditions and materials. From a single erosion test, the incubation time can be estimated for various conditions and materials by plotting the mass loss as a function of exposure time to cavitation on a log–log scale.     

Cavitation damage studies using plasticine

Two mechanisms, namely, the spherical pressure wave and the microjet, have been used to account for the erosion of materials resulting from the collapse of cavitation bubbles. In recent years, however, high speed photography of collapsing bubbles has added support to the microjet mechanism. Experiments have been undertaken by the authors to examine the mechanism of the erosion of materials subjected to a cavitation environment. Stationary specimens of plasticine held in close proximity to the end of an ultrasonic horn have been damaged by cavitation in distilled water. By virtue of the features of the pits formed, as shown in the photographs in the paper, it is concluded that the cavitation erosion damage results from the impingement of high velocity microjets on the material surface during bubble collapse.     

Cavitation erosion characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate) in a rotating disk device

Experimental results pertaining to the initiation, dynamics and mechanism of cavitation erosion on poly(methyl methacrylate) specimens tested in a rotating disk device are described in detail. Erosion normally starts at the location nearest to the center of rotation (CR). As the exposure time to cavitation increases, additional erosion areas or sites appear away from the CR and secondary erosion (induced by eroded pits) spreads upstream and merges with the main pit. The microcracks increase in density towards the end of the incubation period and transform into macrocracks in most cases. A study of light optical photographs and scanning electron micrographs of the eroded area shows that material particles are removed from the network of cracks because of crack joining and pits indicate particle debris. Optical degradation (loss of transmittance) is observed to be greater on the back of the specimen than on the front.     

空蚀初生期破坏程度的表征方法

空蚀破坏实验中,传统表征方法不能准确表征空蚀初生期的破坏程度.提出一种蚀坑法和面积法相结合,利用SEM空蚀图像和数字图像处理来表征空蚀初生期破坏程度的方法.采用抽样方法获取空蚀试样表面SEM图像,对图像进行蚀坑轮廓识别、蚀坑填充和分割等处理,最后进行蚀坑信息统计,获得样本总体的单位面积蚀坑数量、蚀坑面积百分、蚀坑平均直径3个参数,从而实现了对试样整体空蚀初生期破坏程度的准确衡量.     

Cavitation damage incubation with typical fluids applied to a scroll expander system

During the operation of a scroll expander system overpressure may occur resulting in cavitation damage. Impacts due to implosion of cavitation bubbles near to suction ports can result in damage to the scroll plate in the expander. The accumulation of cavitation pits across the scroll plate leads to cavitation erosion hence efficiency drop. An experimental analysis to identify the mechanical damage of the cavitation on various steel surfaces with different liquid environments was conducted.Three liquid environments and four steel grades were utilised experimentally. The liquids used for the tests were distilled water, used as a reference liquid, and the two working fluids of the scroll expander a synthetic lubricant and a high molecular refrigerant. The steel grades were a high carbon (AISI 1085) and low carbon (AISI 1010) martensitic steel with retained austenite, a chromium martensitic steel (AISI 52100) and a martensitic scroll plate (SP) sample. An ultrasonic transducer was utilised to produce cavitation conditions using a 5 mm diameter probe. The comparison of the results revealed the most hostile liquid environment according to the morphology evaluation of the incubation pits. The cavitation mechanisms are discussed and the cavitation resistance of the steel grades is evaluated. The best performing steel material against cavitation is determined for the conditions described.     

Cavitation damage incubation with typical fluids applied to a scroll expander system

During the operation of a scroll expander system overpressure may occur resulting in cavitation damage. Impacts due to implosion of cavitation bubbles near to suction ports can result in damage to the scroll plate in the expander. The accumulation of cavitation pits across the scroll plate leads to cavitation erosion hence efficiency drop. An experimental analysis to identify the mechanical damage of the cavitation on various steel surfaces with different liquid environments was conducted.Three liquid environments and four steel grades were utilised experimentally. The liquids used for the tests were distilled water, used as a reference liquid, and the two working fluids of the scroll expander a synthetic lubricant and a high molecular refrigerant. The steel grades were a high carbon (AISI 1085) and low carbon (AISI 1010) martensitic steel with retained austenite, a chromium martensitic steel (AISI 52100) and a martensitic scroll plate (SP) sample. An ultrasonic transducer was utilised to produce cavitation conditions using a 5 mm diameter probe. The comparison of the results revealed the most hostile liquid environment according to the morphology evaluation of the incubation pits. The cavitation mechanisms are discussed and the cavitation resistance of the steel grades is evaluated. The best performing steel material against cavitation is determined for the conditions described.     

空蚀破坏的微观过程研究

通过空蚀试验和扫描电镜分析对空蚀试样的破坏过程进行了研究,进行了微观点跟踪观察。结果表明：在金属表面产生空蚀针孔,在随后大量气泡溃灭作用下,针孔壁逐渐小块剥落,形成空蚀坑,当空蚀坑相互连接时,原始表面全部剥落,新的空蚀针孔和空蚀坑又重新形成,使金属表面层层剥落。确定单个气泡溃灭产生的微射流是在金属表面造成空蚀针孔的原因,而空蚀坑的形成则是疲劳裂纹萌生和扩展的结果。     

A ring area formed around the erosion pit on 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel surface in incipient cavitation erosion

After a 1 min cavitation experiment performed in an ultrasonic vibration system, needle-like erosion pits appeared on a polished stainless steel surface, and a special ring area was formed around each pit. The shape of the pit and the plastic deformation of the ring area indicate that the mechanical impaction on the surface is the main reason for the cavitation erosion. On the other hand, the iridescent color, the decreased surface hardness and the appearance of the precipitated carbon ring prove that the ring area has experienced a tempering process with the temperature higher than 300 °C. Also, the lack of oxygen in the ring area proves that it is not a chemical oxygen result.     

表面粗糙度对304不锈钢空蚀腐蚀联合作用的影响

为探究不同表面粗糙度对腐蚀空蚀破坏的影响机制,利用超声空蚀实验装置,对不同表面粗糙度的304不锈钢试样在质量分数3.5%NaCl溶液中进行空蚀腐蚀联合作用实验。通过分析试样的质量损失、表面形貌、显微硬度和电化学性能变化,探究不同表面粗糙度对空蚀腐蚀表面形貌和性能的影响规律。结果表明：空蚀腐蚀后的304不锈钢试样表面出现蚀坑,且蚀坑主要发生在磨痕边缘,并呈现腐蚀和空蚀双重特征;随着表面粗糙度的增大,蚀坑的密度增加,试样质量损失更加严重,但粗糙度达到一定程度时,空蚀会降低表面粗糙度数值,起到平整作用;经过空蚀腐蚀作用后,试样表面均出现硬化现象,但随着表面粗糙度的增大,试样表面硬化现象变弱;空蚀腐蚀后,试样的腐蚀电流增大,腐蚀电位负移,且随着粗糙度增大,试样的腐蚀电位和腐蚀电流变化也增大,呈现耐腐蚀性能不断下降趋势。     

冲击形式产生的冲蚀、空蚀和腐蚀联合磨损试验研究

舰船等海洋运输装备在海水中行驶时,船体表面受到含沙海水的冲蚀磨损,舰船行驶速度变化引起的空蚀磨损,以及海水的腐蚀磨损,因此舰船表面材料的破坏形式是冲击式的冲蚀、空蚀和腐蚀联合磨损。为了研究联合磨损的影响因素,研制冲蚀、空蚀和腐蚀联合磨损试验台,并实验研究沙粒浓度、沙粒尺寸、含盐浓度以及冲蚀速度对45钢试件的联合磨损影响规律。实验结果表明:冲蚀、空蚀和腐蚀联合磨损程度强于冲蚀和空蚀交互磨损或单纯腐蚀磨损,在较低的沙粒浓度和较低的含盐浓度条件下,金属材料联合磨损质量损失与沙粒浓度、沙粒尺寸、含盐浓度和冲蚀速度均成正比关系。磨损面形貌分析表明:随着沙粒浓度、沙粒尺寸、含盐浓度、冲蚀速度的增加,试件表面的冲蚀沟和空蚀孔的磨痕深度和面积增大,而在人造海水中,试件表面不仅存在冲蚀沟和空蚀孔,还产生了腐蚀坑。     

An experimental study on cavitation erosion-corrosion performance of ANSI 1020 and ANSI 4135 steel

Cavitation erosion is quite complex, containing corrosion-erosion interaction effect. High temperature oxidization may be aroused after bubble collapse, accompanied by hot gas contacting with the pump component surface. The analysis of the erosion pits can be an effective way to know the mechanism of cavitation erosion. In present paper, the cavitation erosion resistance of carbon steel (ANSI 1020) and alloy steel (ANSI 4135) were tested in an ultrasonic vibration apparatus. By using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and three dimensional laser microscope, the chemical composition around erosion pits and the oxidation film structure were analyzed. By using metallographic microscope and scanning electronic microscope, the metallographic structure of specimens (e.g., carbon steel and alloy steel), the nano structured iron oxide and corresponding influence on specimen’s anti-erosion performance were discussed. Based on the comparison between the different tests performed in distilled water and tap water respectively, results can be obtained that erosion rate of carbon steel and alloy steel varies with the component of water which had close correlation to the oxidation effect. Erosion rate of alloy steel 4135 was much lower in distilled water compared to tap water while the difference of carbon steel 1020 was not that large. The remarkable different responses of these two materials had close relationship with oxidation effect. The oxidation effect transferred the original structure of alloy steel surface which had high anti-erosion capability, into newly generated iron oxide structure, which was preferentially to be attacked. The pumping of slightly corrosive fluids frequently leads to erosion-corrosion damage on impellers, and corrosion can further amplify the erosion process.     

Cavitation Erosion and Sliding Wear to Assess Carbide Integrity in AISI D2 Tool Steel

Ultrasonic cavitation and ball-on-disk wear tests were conducted in order to assess the carbide integrity in AISI D2 steel specimens with different heat treatments and carbide orientations on the exposed surface. The response of the tested materials under cavitation erosion was clearly distinguishable for each carbide orientation and heat treatment. Particularly, carbide predominant orientation can be successfully associated with the incubation period of cavitation damage. Validity of the cavitation erosion tests as a useful characterization technique in materials with reinforcement phases is discussed based on the small contact areas associated with the microjets generated in the ultrasonic cavitation test. On the other hand, ball-on-disk tests in conjunction with conventional wear analysis (coefficient of friction graph, wear volume) did not provide a clear relationship between research variables. However, by using discrete Fourier analysis from friction coefficient data, it was possible to establish a correlation between integrity of primary carbide, its orientation and matrix hardness.     

Characterization of Erosion of Metallic Materials Under Cavitation Attack in a Mineral Oil

Cavitation erosion and erosion rates of eight metallic materials representing three crystal structures were studied. The erosion experiments were conducted with a 20-kHz ultrasonic electrostrictive oscillator in a viscous mineral oil. The erosion rates of the metals and alloys varied over three orders of magnitude. The erosion rates of brittle metals, iron, and molybdenum were higher than that of the titanium alloy but lower than the rest of the soft ductile metals and alloys. Studies with scanning electron microscopy indicated that the cavitation pits were initially formed at the grain boundaries and precipitates and that the pits formed at the junction of grain boundaries grew faster than the others. Transcrystalline craters formed by cavitation attack over the surface of grains and roughened the surfaces by multiple slip and twinning. Surface roughness measurements showed that the pits formed over the grain boundaries deepened faster than other pits. Computer analysis revealed that a geometric expression describes the normalized erosion curves during the time period 0.5 t₀ < t < 2.5 t₀, where t₀ is the incubation period. The fcc metals had very short incubation periods; the titanium alloy had the longest incubation period.     

MICRO-COURSE OF CAVITATION EROSION

By cavitation tests and scanning electron microscope （SEM） microanalysis, the micro-appearance of cavitation samples is studied. It is the first time that the micro-appearance of metals is pursued successfully. According to the changing course of the micro-appearance of metals, the damaging course of cavitation erosion is determined. The destructive way of collapsing bubbles on the metal surface is known. Firstly cavitation pinholes appear on the metal surface, then cracks generate and grow under the action of collapsing bubbles. When cracks connect each other, small pieces are removed from pinhole wall and pinholes develop into cavitation pits. When the previous surface is removed completely, new pinholes are produced again on the new surface. A pinhole is the result of the powerful striking of a micro-liquid jet ejected by a large collapsed bubble near the surface. At some stages, cracks grow in the way of fatigue. The corrosion phenomenon is observed during the cavitation erosion. The cavitation pattern can be used to explain the cavitation pregnancy and the changing regulation of sample surface.     

Cavitation damage prediction

New results from cavitating venturi water tests were used to reinforce the concept of cavitation erosion efficiency previously developed from tests in a vibratory facility with both water and sodium. The concept emerges from a technique which allows a priori prediction of eventual cavitation erosion rates in flow machines. Bubble collapse pulse height spectra obtained from submerged microprobes are correlated with measured erosion rates in given laboratory and/or field devices to allow this prediction. Preliminary results from such correlations are presented together with other measurements of the effects of gas content, velocity and cavitation condition upon the mechanical cavitation intensity as measured by the pulse height spectra.New results from vibratory facility tests in tap water and synthetic seawater upon three materials of variable corrodability (304 stainless steel, 1018 carbon steel and 1100-0 aluminum) are presented. The ratio between maximum erosion rates for the saltwater and freshwater tests were found to increase toward unity as the mechanical cavitation intensity is increased, i.e. increased mean depth to penetration (MDPR), as expected on theoretical grounds.The relation between the incubation period and MDPR_max was examined from the vibratory test results, and was found to depend upon the material properties as well as the fluid flow conditions.     

Simulation of cavitation-erosion resistance of damping materials and coverings

A model describing liquid flux interactions with a damping (elastic) streamlined surface taking into consideration scale factors taking place at macro-, meso-, and microdamping levels has been developed. The relationships between critical numbers of cavitation and erosion and Reynolds number are precise. The results of mathematical simulations of the behavior of elastic materials and coverings are compared with the experimental data obtained during comparison tests of cavitation wear. 13 variants of different materials and elastic coverings have been tested. The theoretical model and the results of sample testing at a magnetostrictive test facility are in good agreement.