Hydroabrasive wear on high carbide infiltration materials

Abstract

Hydroabrasive wear, a subtype of erosion, is a frequently occurring wear phenomenon. The type and extent of the damage depend on a large number of material characteristics and process conditions. In this research project, high carbide infiltration materials used in deep drilling technology were tested for their resistance to this erosive stress. The flow angle was varied stepwise between 15° and 90°. The resulting damage was quantified by volumetric material loss. Furthermore, the wear mechanisms were determined by surface examinations using SEM. The result of this project is an improved understanding of the effect of different process and material parameters on the tribological system. An improved knowledge of the critical quantities will allow the estimation of the effects of changes in tribological systems under erosive load and finally a reduction of material removal in process plants by adaptation of single variables.