A discussion on deformation of solids by the impact of liquids, and its relation to rain damage in aircraft and missiles, to blade erosion in steam turbines, and to cavitation erosion - Conclusion

Abstract

Basic studies show that the measured impact pressure can be accounted for by assuming compressible deformation of the liquid drop in the first stages of impact. The distribution of pressure under a drop produces a shallow indentation in the surface of ductile solids and a ring fracture in brittle materials. The flow of liquid across the surface from under the drop leads to erosive shearing along the edges of the deformed area. Although in theory erosion due to surface flow would not occur on perfectly smooth surfaces, ideal conditions of this kind are impracticable. The smallest discontinuities (step heights down to about 1000 A) have been shown to act as nuclei for erosion pits. The short duration of the peak load during drop impact gives the impact an explosive character. In brittle materials the reflexion and interference of stress waves can cause extensive fracture in regions remote from the initial impact area. Spalling of the rear surface of a thin plate due to drop impact on the front surface could be an important mechanism in the failure of ceramic radomes in high speed aircraft and missiles. To some extent the strength of brittle solids can be improved by treatments which alter the size or number of surface flaws.