On the models of erosive wear of ductile materials

Abstract

As the mechanism by which material is lost from ductile surfaces during solid particle erosion is still a matter of scientific debate, the work presented in this paper is aimed at trying to shed more light on the mechanism by which material is detached from ductile surfaces during solid particle erosion. Moreover, validating some of the most widely accepted models that predict erosive wear rate will form part of the paper. A specially designed test rig was used to facilitate test condition of an extensive experimental program. Results of the test program showed that plastic strain accumulation is largely responsible for material loss from ductile surfaces, even at cute impact angles. The key to this finding is the drop of erosive wear upon impact angle reversal indicates. It has been shown that none of the most widely accepted models of erosive wear could explain the result obtained under condition of impact angle reversal.