Characterizing cavitation erosion particles by analysis of SEM images

Wear particles produced by vibratory cavitation erosion on stationary-aluminum Al-99.999 were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), forming a database for further analysis. The particle morphology features were first clarified based on the characteristic stages of the vibratory erosion rate-time pattern. Next, size, area, perimeter and shape factors (elongation and roundness) were determined for eroded particles, using image analysis software. In incubation period, the particles have distinctive characteristics which differed from that for the subsequent periods. These characteristics include the value of longitudinal ratio and roundness factor, limit size range and morphological features such as lamella shape, folding, curving with one of the particle surfaces as the virgin surface. In acceleration, steady-state and attenuation periods, the particles have a wide size range and larger thickness compared with that for the incubation period. The maximum particle size reached about 360 μm in acceleration and steady-state period. For all the cavitation erosion rate periods, the particles were out of sphericity and they have a roundness factor larger than 2. Detailed surface characteristics of the particles produced during cavitation erosion is significant and can open ways for monitoring the cavitation erosion progress.     

Cavitation–silt erosion in sand suspensions

Cavitation–silt erosion in sand suspensions has elicited research attention. However, erosion characteristics in various conditions of liquids remain unknown due to their complex mechanisms. Thus, the effects of sand size, concentration, and temperature of sand suspensions on cavitation–silt erosion and viscosity were experimentally investigated in the present work. The findings proved the existence of critical sand size. The silt–cavitation erosion decreased with the increase of sand concentration when the sand was smaller than the critical size, and it increased with the increment of the sand size and temperature. A good relationship between the viscosity and the sand size, concentration, and temperature was determined. Moreover, the cavitation–silt erosion mechanisms were obtained on the basis of the viscosity and impingement erosion analysis standpoint.     

Cavitation erosion of aluminum matrix sintered composite with AlN dispersoids

The cavitation erosion resistance of P/M aluminum alloy-sintered composite with AlN dispersoids, prepared via the in situ synthesis and the conventional premixing process, was evaluated by using magnetostrictive-vibration type equipment. In situ synthesized AlN particles were effective for the improvement of the erosion resistance of the composite because of their good bonding with the aluminum matrix. The additive AlN by the premixing process were easily detached from the specimen surface due to the insufficient coherence with the matrix, and caused the poor resistance. The cavitation resistance also depended on the porosity of the sintered composite. The continuously opened pores accelerated the wear phenomena by the cavitation due to the high-pressure attack on the primary particle boundaries of sintered materials in the collapse of the bubbles.     

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.     

Mechanisms of Formation of Spheroids Produced by Cavitation Erosion

The prediction, control, and prevention of unscheduled downtime due to wear of industrial equipment is an important engineering problem. The characterization of wear particles and the study of the mechanism of their formation will aid in preventive maintenance. Of particular interest is the mechanism of formation of spherical particles during wear and erosion. It has been suggested that cavitation erosion is a mechanism of formation for these spherical particles. Using both a vibratory apparatus and a jet erosion facility, spherical particles were produced on various materials including aluminum and 52100 steel. Special techniques for isolating and mounting the eroded particles were developed. Spheroids ranging from 0·5 μ (microns) to 30 μ in diameter were observed in the vibratory cavitation method both in distilled water and in SAE 10W nondetergent oil. Much larger spheroids up to 150μ in diameter were observed in clusters with the jet erosion method. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed craters, plastic flow, overflowing lips, and splashing stems. Based on these observations, it is theorized that the high strain rate indentation of the cavitation bubbles leads to the splash of metal into the surrounding liquid where surface tension produces spherical particles. Supporting experimental evidence and calculations are also presented.     

Cavitation erosion resistance of Cr–N coating deposited on stainless steel

Results of investigation on cavitation-erosion resistance of Cr–N coating deposited on stainless steel X6CrNiTi18-10 (1H18N9T) by means of the cathodic-arc method are presented. The evaluation of Cr–N coating resistance to cavitation erosion is based on the investigation performed in a cavitation tunnel with a slot cavitator and tap water as a medium. The investigation was performed at variable-cavitation intensity and the estimated cavitation resistance parameters of coatings were the incubation period of damage and the instantaneous erosion rate after exposure of specified duration. It has been confirmed that the incubation period of the Cr–N coating damage is approximately 50% longer than that of the uncoated X6CrNiTi18-10 steel, and the instantaneous erosion rate after exposure of specified duration is comparable in both cases. The scanning microscope analysis indicates that the damage of Cr–N coating is due mainly to its delamination, while the erosion of deeper parts of the coating is of minor importance. The character of the coating and substrate damage in multiple locations indicates that the hard coating microparticles torn-off during the cavitation bubbles implosion hit against the coating and the revealed areas of substrate. As a result, the coating and especially the substrate of relatively low hardness are subject to cavitation erosion and to solid particle erosion with the hard torn-off microparticles of coating. The results of the investigation and the analysis indicate that the factors mainly responsible for a long incubation period and low cavitation erosion rate of the steel substrate/hard coating systems are the gained high hardness of substrate and high level of coating adhesion.     

The role of sand particles on the rapid destruction of the cavitation zone of hydraulic turbines

Metal surfaces in the cavitation zone of hydraulic turbines working in sandy water are damaged rapidly. The damage is much more severe than that caused either by sand erosion or by cavitation alone. This paper presents an analysis of a worn surface of 18Cr-8Ni steel tested in a Venturi device at a hydroelectric power station in the flood season. Two types of damage were found. The first was a smooth erosion in the area of regular fluid flow. The second was in the regions where cavitation occurred. In the latter regions, the sand particles gain high velocities under the action of cavitation, impinge upon the metal surface and cause severe surface deformation and rapid damage. Embedded sand particles, cavities, cracks, cutting scars and fatigue patterns were found on the sponge-like worn surface.     

渣浆泵叶轮湍流场模拟及颗粒轨迹分析

为提高渣浆泵的抗磨性能并优化泵的设计,采用RNG κ-ε湍流模型和SIMPLEC算法对多工况下渣浆泵叶轮内部清水流场进行了数值计算,得到叶片表面相对速度矢量分布,分析了叶片表面回流、旋涡现象;基于单颗粒动力学模型,采用拉格朗日法计算了多工况下固相颗粒的运动轨迹,分析不同粒径颗粒对叶片表面磨损的影响。结果表明：叶片压力面进口在大流量工况下开始出现回流,而叶片吸力面进口则在小流量工况下回流、旋涡严重,叶片进口的回流、旋涡不仅容易引起NPSHr增高,诱发空化现象,还会导致颗粒聚集、反复冲击该区域;在小流量工况下,叶片压力面出口和吸力面出口均出现大区域的回流,甚至延伸至叶片中段,随着流量增大,回流和旋涡区域逐渐缩小,由此可见叶片出口在小流量工况下的磨损比较严重;其他因素一定时,固液混合物的流量越小,颗粒在进入叶片流道前停留的时间越长,导致颗粒与叶片头部的碰撞概率增大;随着颗粒直径增大,颗粒向叶片压力面靠近的趋势越明显,与压力面的碰撞机会也增多,从模拟结果可以看到,该叶轮对1mm以上的大颗粒适应性不好,在设计流量工况下,0.5~1mm粒径范围内颗粒适应性最好。     

Erosive wear of ductile metals by a particle-laden high velocity liquid jet

A liquid-solid particle jet impingement flow apparatus is described and experimental measurements are reported for the accelerated erosion of copper, aluminum and mild steel sheet metal by coal suspensions in kerosene and Al₂O₃ and SiC suspensions in water. Slurry velocities of up to 130 ft s^?1 (40 m s^?1) and impingement angles of 15°–90° were investigated. The maximum particle concentration used was 40 wt.%. For high velocity the results of this work show two erosion maxima; these are found at impingement angles of 90° and 40°. However, in corresponding gas-solid particle investigations maximum erosion occurs at approximately 20°. In this work both particle concentration and composition were varied. A polynomial regression technique was used to calculate empirical and semitheoretical correlation constants.     

Cavitation enhancement of silt erosion—An envisaged micro model

Cavitation and silt erosion often co-exist causing severe damage. The effect that the silt erosion is worsened by the presence of cavitation is here referred as cavitation enhancement of silt erosion. Its mechanism is still not fully understood despite the effort made in past decades. In this article, the need for a micro model is firstly demonstrated by reviewing the phenomenon from the viewpoint of fluid–particle interaction. Then, the postulated model is presented from the viewpoint of a driving force. The potential of this model in furthering our understanding is also demonstrated by re-visiting Sato's experimental study on synergetic erosion. Further development of this model through experimental and numerical simulations is thus recommended.     

磁致伸缩仪超声空化流的三维非定常数值模拟

采用Singhal完全空化模型和SST k-ω湍流模型结合动网格技术对磁致伸缩仪超声空化流进行三维非定常数值模拟。计算结果表明,由于变幅杆高频振动,在靠近试样表面附近局部流场的压力和空泡体积组分变化具有周期性,压力波动的最低值可达到汽化压力,该局部流场可发生空化。由于空化,试样表面压力波动具有脉冲特征。压力和空泡体积组分在试样表面近似呈环形分布。在同一环形区域内,压力和空泡体积组分存在无规律断续脉动。试样表面中心区域空泡经历两次振荡后溃灭,产生强烈脉冲压力,最大脉冲压力可达约14MPa。脉冲压力在试样表面按间隔环形区域分布,且随试样振动在相邻环形区域上交替出现。在磁致伸缩仪超声空化流场中,试件表面可近似多个声波发生源,各声波传播时相互叠加和干扰。在声波传播的过程中压力衰减很快,只是在距试样表面约20mm内,压力有明显波动。     

Erosive wear behaviour of weld hardfacing high chromium cast irons: effect of erodent particles

Five commercial hardfacing high chromium cast iron alloys were deposited by flux cored arc-welding method. The solid particle erosion studies were carried out using air blast type erosion test rig with 125–150 μm cement clinker, 125–150 μm blast furnace sinter, 100–150 μm silica sand and 125–150 μm alumina particles at a velocity of 50 m s⁻¹ and at impingement angles of 15–90°. The observed erosion rates were rationalised in terms of relative hardness of erodent particles and ability of erodent particle to cause gross fracture of the carbides. The dependence of erosion rate on impingement angle was found to be quite weak for hardfacing high chromium cast iron alloys. However, significant differences were observed in the ranking of the alloys when eroded with different erodent particles. The presence of large volume fraction of carbides proved to be beneficial to the erosion resistance when the erodent particle were softer than the carbides. With silica sand particles at normal impact and with alumina particles large volume fraction of carbides proved detrimental to the erosion resistance. The operating erosion mechanisms involved small-scale chipping, edge effect, indentation and fracture and fatigue.     

Comparison of erosion mechanisms in different types of cavitation

A new cavitation erosion device producing vortex cavitation has been extensively used. A comparative study between various cavitation erosion situations was carried out to verify the ability of this vortex cavitation generator to produce realistic cavitation erosion with respect to that observed in hydraulic machinery.For this purpose, specimens of indium and α + β brass were subjected to different cavitation erosion situations in a Francis turbine model, a cavitation water tunnel, a vibratory cavitation device and our vortex cavitation generator. The surface deformation and the development of damage in exposed specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In all cases, except for the vibratory cavitation device, the damage starts with the formation of isolated hollows and craters of similar morphologies and sizes, produced by collapse impingements. The accumulation of isolated damage distributed statistically over the specimens results in erosion. Meanwhile, for vibratory cavitation the damage is initially scattered uniformly over the specimen surface and develops progressively. In spite of this, the topographies of severely eroded surfaces in various types of cavitation did not present noticeable differences. However, transmission electron microscopy observations of subsurface microstructures in eroded specimens indicate the same arrangements of dislocations and the appearance of largescale deformation twins. Hardened superficial layers in specimens exposed to flow cavitation are thicker than those in vibratory cavitation, which leads to higher erosion rates.     

近壁面超声空化微射流对微细颗粒的破碎作用

针对微细粉体“团聚”导致粉磨极限的问题,在液相环境下利用超声的分散和空化冲击作用,开展了近壁面超声空化微射流对微细颗粒破碎作用的研究。通过理论计算空化微射流冲击微细颗粒破碎的有效作用范围,从空化泡溃灭速度的角度分析了超声频率、声压幅值、介质尺寸等主要参数对微射流强度的影响;结合物料质量浓度、介质尺寸、介质面积和功率等影响因素的微细颗粒超声空化破碎正交试验,并利用SEM观测粉体形貌,分析了颗粒中位粒径D50、10%体积累积粒径D10和比表面积（SSA）等分布特性。参数组合优化后获得了粒径小于800目的微细颗粒,破碎率高达79.35%;粒径大于10 000目的极细颗粒产率高达12.84%。从提高微细颗粒破碎率的角度,发现介质面积是主要影响因素,功率次之,其次为介质尺寸和物料质量浓度。试验结果与理论研究成果基本一致,表明优化超声空化微射流参数与增加介质壁面面积等方法可有效提高微细颗粒的破碎率。     

Numerical simulation of solid particle impacts on Al6061-T6 Part II: Materials removal mechanisms for impact of multiple angular particles

In the accompanying paper (M. Takaffoli, M. Papini, Numerical simulation of solid particle impacts on Al6061-T6 Part I: Three dimensional representation of angular particles), it was demonstrated that realistic 3D models of angular particles could be generated and used with a smoothed particle hydrodynamics model to simulate the damage done to an Al6061-T6 target due to many non-overlapping particle impacts. In this paper, the same methodology was used to simulate overlapping impacts, and thus the material removal mechanisms associated with the solid particle erosion of this material. The evolution of the topography of the blasted surface was simulated, and the surface ripple patterns that typically form during the erosion of aluminum alloys were observed. The predicted volumetric erosion rates at different impact angles were, on average, within 7% of those measured in erosion experiments. An investigation of the simulated trajectory of the impacting particles revealed the cooperative contribution of overlapping impacts to material loss, and solid particle erosion mechanisms such as the micromachining of chips, the ploughing of craters, and the formation, forging and knocking off of crater lips. The results indicate that numerical simulation of the solid particle erosion of ductile metals by realistic angular particles is possible.     

A comparison of the erosion rate of casing steels by sand-oil suspensions

The erosion rates (expressed as grams per square millimeter per minute) of three casing steels (P110, N80 and K55) and hot-rolled 1020 steel in quartz sand-oil suspensions, GFN 140, solids loading 0.5–4 wt.%, at speeds from 9.35 to 18.7 m s⁻¹ have been measured in a slurry pot tester. The velocity exponent was determined as 2.4 and the relationship of erosion rate to solids loading and particle size (for the particle size range 53–180 μm) determined. The erosion rates for all the steels were found to lie within a scatter band of ±15% and could not be related predictively with the measured tensile properties. Results are discussed in terms of the rate of particle impact on the eroding target and the need to control flow conditions through appropriate design to minimize erosion.     

Estimation of cavitation intensity from the time taken for bubbles to develop

In order to estimate the cavitation erosion rate, the time taken for cavitation bubbles to develop and the cavitation erosion intensity were investigated. The cavitation intensity was found to be proportional to the 7th power of the time taken for bubbles to develop. This is a similar dependency to the effect of scaling on cavitation erosion, which shows how the cavitation erosion rate increases with cavitating length.     

Solid particle erosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy

Abstract

The effects of particle impingement angle, impingement velocity and erodent particle size on the erosion rate and surface morphology of the Ti6Al4V alloy have been investigated comprehensively in order to evaluate solid particle erosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V alloy. Samples were eroded in a specially designed sandblasting system under various parameters using alumina (Al₂O₃) erodent particles. Surface morphology investigations were examined by scanning electron microscope using various analysis and modes (energy dispersive X-ray analysis, elemental mapping and compositional contrast). Ti6Al4V alloy showed ductile behaviour with a maximum erosion rate at 30° impingement angle. Erosion rate of Ti6Al4V alloy increased with increases in velocity and decreased with increases in erodent particle size. Scanning electron microscopy investigations of eroded surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy samples reveal the dominant erosion mechanism such as microploughing, microcutting and plastic deformation. Embedded erodent particles on the surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy nearly at all particle impingement angles and velocities were clearly detected.     

Control and evaluation of particle impact conditions in a sand erosion test facility

For the prediction of actual damage to plant component materials and for making the erosion mechanisms clear, it is important to control and to evaluate the particle impact conditions in a testing facility. A sand blast type erosion test rig, which can achieve the particle impact velocities up to 135 m s⁻¹ and a wide range of impact angles has been constructed. The key factors in particle impact conditions of particle flux, impact velocity and impact angle were examined. The relative distance between particles and particle size was discussed, as the particle flux affected erosion rate of material. A new method was proposed to determine particle velocities in this facility. The theoretical velocity of the particle calculated by the equations of particle motion was compared with the experimental results. The divergence of particles from a geometrical angle was evaluated by measuring surface roughness of the specimens. Although some spread of the particles were observed surrounding the central damage area of the specimen surface, the greatest amount of damage was concentrated in the center. As a result, it was found that particle impact conditions were well controlled in this testing unit.     

Resistance to wear and cavitation erosion of bearing alloys

Sliding wear and vibratory cavitation erosion tests in paraffin oil were carried out on bearing alloys, i.e. tin-based and lead-based white metals, Cu-Pb alloy and leaded bronze. In lubricated wear under mild conditions the surface is worn smooth and a slight difference exists between the wear resistances of the four alloys. In cavitation erosion an eroded surface which is much rougher than the worn surface is formed. Cavitation erosion is affected strongly by the composition and crystal structure of the alloy and thus the erosion resistances of the four alloys differ greatly, the ranking of resistance being lead-based white metal < Cu-Pb alloy < tin-based white metal < leaded bronze. The surface damage, which is caused by the joint action of cavitation erosion and wear, was also investigated by rubbing the eroded surfaces which had been exposed to cavitation erosion for various times. This damage becomes larger with increasing cavitation damage. The resistance to this damage differs much more in the four alloys tested and tends to correlate with the results of the erosion tests rather than those of the wear tests. Therefore, it is clear that the cavitation erosion resistance should be considered in the selection of bearing materials.