Cavitation erosion resistance of stellite alloy weld overlays

Stellite alloys have excellent cavitation erosion resistance and are often used for liquid machinery, but the erosion properties of various stellite alloys have not been evaluated by a standard method. In this study, we evaluate the erosion resistance for various stellite alloy weld overlays of ST6 and ST21 in a vibrating method and in a cavitating liquid jet method. The grain size of the Co matrix affects the cavitation erosion resistance of stellite alloy weld overlays of ST6. The erosion rate of the maximum rate stage of stellite weld overlay alloys of ST6-1, ST6-2 and ST6-3 were found to be about 1/13 to 1/7 times that of SUS304. Moreover, we clarified the cavitation erosion mechanism of SUS304 and ST6 by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, by comparing the erosion behavior in a cavitating liquid jet method with that in a vibratory method, it was found that the erosion rate of the cavitating jet method and the vibratory method have a good correlation.     

Effect of liquid metal composition and hydrodynamic parameters on cavitation erosion

Cavitation erosion testing machine for low-temperature melting alloy liquid was developed by using a vibratory apparatus. The erosion tests of SUS304 were carried out in three kinds of lead–bismuth and deionized water. We defined a relative temperature as the percentage between freezing and boiling points. At relative temperature at 14 °C, the erosion rate is 10–12 times in various lead–bismuth alloys, and 2–5 times in sodium, as compared with that in deionized water. When SUS304 was exposed to a cavitation in PbBi, the surface was work hardened 20% harder compared with original surface. In deionized water, SUS304 was work hardened by 5%. Therefore, we can conclude that larger collapse pressure can be estimated to act on the specimen surface in lead–bismuth, as compared with that in water.We discussed the effect of hydrodynamic properties on cavitation erosion in a flowing system. It is considered that the erosion rate in sodium is in proportion to 1st to 6th power of flow velocity similarly to that in mercury. The incipient cavitation number is approximately unity irrespective of test liquids. Furthermore, the relation between MDER and cavitation number is expressed as power low of function with an exponent of 2.5.     

Turned trochoidal disturbance on a liquid jet surface

This paper shows that a turned trochoidal function disturbance may lead to peripheral drops production. The resulting model is used to describe that a turned trochoidal disturbance leads to peripheral drops production on the liquid jet surface without the necessity for superimposed disturbances. The trochoid is a non-unique parametric function. Only non-unique parametric functions disturbances may lead to peripheral drops production. The trochoidal function disturbance is decomposed to Fourier series. Every Fourier element receives an amplification factor in accordance to the Rayleigh inviscid jet model. Peripheral drops are received on the jet surface. The paper shows that all trochoidal disturbance functions, prolate cycloid, cycloid and curtate cycloid have a capability of peripheral drops producing. A limited capability of peripheral drops production is introduced for the trochoidal curtate cycloid. Produced drops size are reduced for increasing the jet velocity and wave number. Smaller drops are also received by transition from the prolate cycloid to curtate cycloid disturbance.     

收缩-扩散型喷嘴内高速泡液流稳态解的分岔

空化水射流技术的关键是空化喷嘴 ,实验证明空化喷嘴出口形状对喷嘴的空化效果影响很大。对在具有收缩 扩散形状的喷嘴内高速泡液流稳态解的分析表明 :泡液流中很小的空隙率亦强烈地影响着其流动特性。当空隙率为临界值αc=1.895 993× 10 -4时 ,泡液流稳态解出现分岔现象。收缩 扩散型出口形状更利于喷嘴产生空化     

液体射流研磨循环系统设计

液体射流研磨技术是在水射流加工技术的基础上发展起来的。目前,制约该技术在高精度机械产品加工中广泛应用的主要原因是高压研磨系统的开发制造。介绍了一套前混合磨料液体射流研磨循环系统,分别论述了低压研磨液产生系统、高压液压油产生系统、高压研磨液产生系统等主要部分的作用及相关参数的选择原则。     

Effect of nozzle geometry on a standard cavitation erosion test using a cavitating jet

In order to accurately and reliably evaluate the cavitation erosion resistance of materials using cavitating jet apparatus according to ASTM G134, the effect of various types of nozzle geometries on the erosion rate was investigated. As the erosion rate depends on the erosion time and the distance from the nozzle to the specimen, i.e., the standoff distance, the mass loss as a function of erosion time at the optimum standoff distance was measured. It was shown that the erosion rate depended on the nozzle geometry. In fact, the aggressive intensity of the cavitating jet I_J depends on the nozzle geometry. When a cavitating jet of low I_J was used in the erosion test, it took some time to reach the maximum cumulative erosion rate E_Rmax, which is recommended in ASTM G134 as a parameter for determining the cavitation erosion resistance of materials. In the present experiment, the difference in E_Rmax was more than 600%, and the time required to reach E_Rmax was also scattered over 600%, for the different nozzles used. It was also revealed that E_Rmax could be obtained from the product of I_J and the reciprocal of the relative cavitation erosion resistance of the material, R_ER.     

Structure influence on the operating limit range and mixing performance of non-axisymmetric jet pump

Although cavitation chocked jet pumps guarantee a steady and accurate liquid mixture, the existing pumps have the shortcomings of big energy loss and small cavitation working range. In the current study, aiming at enhancing the performance of the cavitation mixing devices, an innovative non-axisymmetric jet pump design is proposed. The cavitation characteristics and the mixing performance of the new design have been investigated by both computational simulation and experimental testing. Based on the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), it is found that the cavitation on the suction tube side is strengthened due to the turbulence caused by the abrupt change in the local flow channel structure, while the cavitation on the opposite side is weakened due to the gradual flow channel structure. Our experimental testing results prove that our new design can provide a steady mixing ratio as long as the non-axisymmetric vapor cloud steadily covers the suction tube outlet. Furthermore, geometric parameters (convergent angle, divergent angle, throat length and area ratio) of the device have been optimized through the orthogonal analysis. The critical pressure ratio of the optimized device ranges from 0.76 to 0.63 when the critical flow ratio is in the range of 0–10%, which indicates that the optimized device has much less energy loss and a wider working range than the current axisymmetric cavitating jet pumps. Through quantitative energy loss analysis, we have found that the cavitation maintenance corresponds to the greatest energy loss in the jet pumps, yet our non-axisymmetric structure design could effectively reduces energy loss. The current research reveals the physical mechanism on how a non-axisymmetric structure affects the cavitation characteristics as well as the performance of jet pumps.     

Relations between cavitation erosion resistance of materials and their fatigue strength under random loading

The paper contains results of tests on fatigue strength under uniaxial random loading and cavitation erosion resistance for three steels: 10HNAP, 18G2A and 15G2ANb. The obtained fatigue and cavitation characteristics were used for determination of relations between these two phenomena. From the analysis it appears that there is correlation between fatigue strength of the material under random loading and its cavitation erosion resistance. It has been shown that fatigue tests under random loading and tests on cavitation erosion of 10HNAP, 18G2A and 15G2ANb steels may be described with a mathematical model of the same type. It has been also found that there is a linear relation, in the dual logarithmic system, between cavitation erosion resistance of the steels tested and their fatigue strength under random tension—compression with zero mean value.     

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.     

Numerical investigation of cavitating Herschel Venturi-Tubes applied to liquid flow metering

The objective of the present work is the numerical investigation of the applicability of hydrodynamic cavitating Herschel Venturi-Tubes to liquid flow metering. For this purpose, two- and three-dimensional simulations of cavitating flow in two different nozzle geometries were carried out using commercial CFD code. For several reasons, the Herschel Venturi-Tube proved to be superior to other types of nozzles such as the ISO 9300 with respect to liquid flow metering.     

Experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of small-sized cavitating venturis

Cavitating venturis (CVs) are simple devices which can be used in different industrial applications to passively control the flow rate of fluids. In this research the operation of small-sized CVs is characterized and their capabilities in regulating the mass flow rate were experimentally and numerically investigated. The effect of upstream and downstream pressures, as well as geometrical parameters such as the throat diameter, throat length, and diffuser angle on the mass flow rate and critical pressure ratio were studied. For experimental data acquisition, three CVs with throat diameters of 0.7, 1 and 1.5 mm were manufactured and tested. The fabricated CVs were tested at different upstream and downstream pressures in order to measure their output mass flow rate and to obtain their characteristic curves. The flow inside the CVs was also simulated by computational fluid dynamics. The numerical results showed agreement with the experimental data by a maximum deviation of 5–10% and confirmed that the numerical approach can be used to predict the critical pressure ratio and mass flow rate at cavitaing condition. It is found that despite the small size of venturis, they are capable of controlling the mass flow rate and exhibit the normal characteristics. By decreasing the throat diameter, their cavitating mode became more limited. Results also show that increasing the diffuser angle and throat length leads to a decrease in critical pressure ratio.     

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.     

Development of a new type micro slurry‐jet erosion (MSE) tester for evaluation of wear properties of hard thin coatings

Versatile and reliable techniques for evaluation of hard thin coatings are necessary for the development and tribological assessment of new coatings. We have proposed a new type of micro slurry‐jet erosion (MSE) test, i.e. a solid particle impact erosion test for swift evaluation of wear properties of hard thin coatings. We are using a new type of MSE test apparatus (pot type tester) that makes it possible to obtain the wear loss per unit mass of erodent, which in this test was alumina particles with an average size of 1.2 µm. Its performance was evaluated by using a Si wafer plate under various test condition. In addition, the MSE tester was demonstrated by evaluating the wear resistance of TiN on high‐speed steel substrate. The new MSE test generates highly reproducible results and is very sensitive to the quality of the coatings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of erosive wear resistance of TiN coatings by a slurry jet impact test

In this paper, it is proposed to use a new type of solid particle impact test (slurry jet) to swiftly evaluate wear properties of thin, single layered or multilayered coatings. By the slurry jet, 1.2 μm alumina particles were impacted at high velocity perpendicular to thin PVD coatings of TiN deposited on high speed steel substrate materials under various substrate temperatures. Since the coatings have a much higher wear resistance than the substrate material, the wear rate increases significantly to the higher level of the HSS material when the coatings are penetrated. This is utilized in the quantification of the assessment of coating wear. A ranking of wear resistance and correlations to the coating surface hardness measured by nano-indentation tests, and coating morphology and structures are given and discussed. The TiN deposited under the highest substrate temperature proved to have the highest wear resistance although it had a relatively low hardness. The wear rate of the TiN coatings varies with the orientation of grains, that is, the {1 1 1} orientation that dominates for the high temperature deposition shows a higher wear resistance than the {1 0 0} orientation, which corresponds with the cleavage fracture behavior. Thus, it can be recommended as a screening test when evaluating coatings and coated materials.     

Electrochemical slurry jet micro-machining of tungsten carbide with a sodium chloride solution

Electrochemical slurry jet micro-machining (ESJM) is a new non-conventional process that couples abrasive slurry jet machining (ASJM) and electrochemical jet machining (ECJM) concurrently. A micro-jet of abrasive particles and electrolytic solution is made to impinge on the target while applying a DC potential between the jet nozzle and the workpiece. ESJM can be used to remove material that is difficult to machine through a combination of erosion, corrosion and synergistic effects. This study focuses on ESJM of tungsten carbide (WC) using a pH-neutral NaCl electrolyte rather than an alkaline solution which is more commonly used in the electrochemical processing of WC. For the studied process parameters, it was shown that the erosion due to ASJM alone was not able to erode the WC, and that the corrosion under ECJM was slow and produced unacceptably wide channels. The combined ESJM process however, was found to involve erosion of the developed oxide layer and subsequent exposure of un-corroded WC, leading to a much higher machining current density, corrosion rate, and machining localization than using ECJM alone. It was also found that the total abrasive kinetic energy, working voltage and solution concentration strongly affected the machining current density, material removal rate and aspect ratio (depth to width ratio). The results indicate that ESJM has a high potential to machine difficult-to-cut metals efficiently and economically.     

流场对陶瓷喷砂嘴的冲蚀磨损影响

根据喷砂工作原理和喷枪结构特征建立了引射段的自由射流模型。以一种具体喷枪结构参数为计算对象，研究了嚷砂嘴从入口截面至出口处的流场性质和变化过程。并在此基础上分析了流场对磨料运动和冲蚀磨损的彩响。结果发现部分磨料对喷砂嘴入口端面材料造成接近垂直角度的撞击；入口段冲蚀角较大使磨损严重，沿着顺流方向冲蚀磨损率减小；在出口处形成的射流扩散角使冲蚀角有所增大，导致出口磨损严重。与实验结果进行比较，发现两结果吻合，证明了该理论分析的正确性。     

Introduction to the microscopy of erosion

Erosion of materials by the impact of small solid particles, by the impact of liquid drops and by cavitation in a liquid is discussed. Erosion arising from these three sources is described, terminology is defined, and the methods available for erosion testing in the laboratory are reviewed. A brief discussion is presented of the microscopical techniques which have been used to study erosion, and some of their advantages and drawbacks are outlined.     

An investigation of a cavitating venturi flow control feature in a cryogenic propellant delivery system

This study details the design and performance characterization for a cryogenic cavitating venturi. This flow control system is intended for mass flow regulation of cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen and liquid methane, in reaction control propulsion systems. Through in situ flow tests, the discharge coefficient for the venturi was calculated and utilized to determine the mass flow rate for specified inlet pressures of the propellants. The test results revealed that the cavitating venturi indeed performed as a flow rate control feature in both liquid water and LCH₄ flow under a steady state operating within pressure ratios below 0.69.     

Experimental investigation of a cavitating Venturi and its application to flow metering

An experimental investigation has been carried out to evaluate the performance of a cavitating Venturi flow. For that purpose, a closed loop circuit with a centrifugal pump and a transparent asymmetric converging-diverging test section has been built which allows to set the pressure level and the flow rate. The system is instrumented with several pressure sensors and temperature probes that are continuously monitored during the tests. The experiments have consisted in generating non-cavitating and cavitating flows inside the Venturi under controlled conditions. The obtained results, which have been characterized as a function of the Venturi's discharge coefficient, pressure ratio and pressure loss coefficient, are in good agreement with previous studies carried out with standard Venturi geometries, specially under non-cavitating flows. The Venturi's performance under cavitation flows has been found to be dependent on the Venturi's inlet pressure and similar to a chocked flow condition with constant volumetric flow rate. On the basis of these observations and the analogous behaviour with compressible gas nozzles, a new flow coefficient has been derived which remains constant at any cavitating regime. Thus, this coefficient permits to use a Venturi as a flow meter on cavitation conditions.     

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.