On the importance of volume of eroded material for cavitation erosion

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is an attempt to explain how volume of eroded material is influencing on the cavitation erosion curve. The model assumes that the curve of cumulative volume loss as a function of time approaches initial volume of eroded material. This principle causes dependence of cavitation erosion curve not only on mechanical properties of eroded material and cavitation loading, but also on the dimensions of initial volume that is, eroded area of material and even height of cross-section of eroded initial volume of material. Existing standards have recommended assessment of cavitation erosion resistance of materials by comparison of their erosion curves (volume loss in time and volume loss rate of erosion). For this reason, one should strive to explain all the factors influencing the cavitation erosion curve. This work proposes a mathematical model which permits to define the influence of initial volume of eroded material on the cavitation erosion curve. [Received 7 April 2006; Accepted 12 March 2007]