Erosion testing

What is it?

The processes of erosion wear consist of the progressive loss of mass from the surface of a material due to the mechanical interaction between the surface and a fluid that carries solid particles. The parameters that have the most influence on the wear behavior of materials are the speed and angle of impact of erosive particles. However, the parameters related to the properties and characteristics of this agent also influence this analysis, including particle size, shape and density. With regard to the material to be analysed, the rate of wear is influenced by its microstructure, hardness and toughness.

What is it used for?

Erosive testing is used to determine the rate of wear of a material subjected to this type of occurrence. With these tests it is also possible to conduct studies of wear minimisation by interacting with the parameters of the fluid flow (angle of impact, speed, density, etc.) in order to achieve optimal solutions for the performance of components subjected to this type of wear. The quantitative methods associated with the final results of this test involve obtaining values for material mass loss as well as evaluating the geometry surface changes due to the impact of particles. This technique is typically used in industrial applications where high speeds of particles and turbulence in the flow of liquids and gases affect the performance of the materials.

Equipment and working conditions

Erosion resistance tests are carried out using a Falex Corporation Air Jet Erosion Test machine.
Testing, as standardised by ASTM G76, consists of projecting an abrasive with a chosen speed and dispersion (usually 50 micron diameter alumina) onto the surface of the sample during a given period of time.
The coefficient of erosion is expressed as loss of mass of the sample in relation to the total weight of the abrasive used.

Example of use

• Determination of rates of wear of pneumatic pipes conveying grainy material
• Comparative studies between materials for use in situations subject to erosion
• Optimisation of flow parameters of systems which suffer erosion (angles, speed, etc.)