Material Erosion Research Articles

Effect of Waterjet Cleaning Parameters During Paint Removal Operation on Automotive Steel Components

The automotive industry is expanding quickly, and each year, many vehicles are produced with beautiful paints. Increases in the number of end-of-life or old vehicles will occur as a result of uncontrolled growth in the number of manufactured vehicles. Recycling car parts is therefore necessary in the automotive industry specially to beautify the appearance of old vehicles with new paint. Waterjet cleaning is one of the most contemporary techniques frequently employed to guarantee uniform paint removal with no secondary pollutions. Study on waterjet cleaning parameters mostly focuses on pressure, traverse rate, and standoff distance. However, there are other new parameters associated with waterjet cleaning process namely number of cleaning passes and overlap rate which shows improvement in paint removal but lack in literature reviews. In the present study, paint is removed using the abrasive waterjet (AWJ) and plain waterjet (PWJ) paint removal techniques from parts made for automobiles in order to examine cleaning characteristics such as effectiveness and surface roughness. The findings indicated that AWJ cleaning process was more effective at cleaning than PWJ, which had a smaller cleaning capacity. However, AWJ cleaning process resulted in a rougher surface due to complete removal of paints as well as erosion of the substrate material. A better control of AWJ cleaning process may result in more efficient of paint removal without damaging the substrate material.

Lightweight composite materials made of paper sludge and corn starch

Novel composite materials have been prepared by primary paper sludge (PS) and biopolymer (modified corn starch (MCS). The MCS is used as a binder. The aim of the research was to investigate the properties, microstructure and durability (water erosion) of composite materials (CM). The CM were formed from 100 wt% of paper sludge and 20 wt% of various concentrations (2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%) of MCS were added. Corn starch was heated 3 h at 150 °C temperature. The CM produced had a bulk density of 0.89–1.18 g/cm3, compressive strength at 10% relative deformation 4.8–9.3 MPa, thermal conductivity 0.092–0.132 W/m·K. Additionally, this study underscores that the CM show good durability (resistance to water erosion) and hygrothermal qualities. In fact, the MSC solution incorporated in the paper sludge showed improved physical-mechanical properties and durability of the CM. The research shows that CM can be formed from paper sludge and MCS, and these can be used as indoor masonry units because they also have good mechanical, hydroscopic and thermal insulation properties.

In Vitro and In Vivo Hydrolytic Degradation Behaviors of a Drug-Delivery System Based on the Blend of PEG and PLA Copolymers.

This paper presents the in vitro and in vivo degradation of BEPO, a marketed in situ forming depot technology used for the formulation of long-acting injectables. BEPO is composed of a solution of a blend of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) triblock and diblock in an organic solvent, where a therapeutic agent may be dissolved or suspended. Upon contact with an aqueous environment, the solvent diffuses and the polymers precipitate, entrapping the drug and forming a reservoir. Two representative BEPO compositions were subjected to a 3-month degradation study in vitro by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C and in vivo after subcutaneous injection in minipig. The material erosion rate, as a surrogate of the bioresorption, determined via the depot weight loss, changed substantially, depending on the composition and content of polymers within the test item. The swelling properties and internal morphology of depots were shown to be highly dependent on the solvent exchange rate during the precipitation step. Thermal analyses displayed an increase of the depot glass transition temperature over the degradation process, with no crystallinity observed at any stage. The chemical composition of degraded depots was determined by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography and demonstrated an enrichment in homopolymers, i.e., free PLA and (m)PEG, to the detriment of (m)PEG-PLA copolymers in both formulations. It was observed that the relative ratio of the degradants within the depot is driven by the initial polymer composition. Interestingly, in vitro and in vivo results showed very good qualitative consistency. Taken together, the outcomes from this study demonstrate that the different hydrolytic degradation behaviors of the BEPO compositions can be tuned by adjusting the polymer composition of the formulation.

H2S adsorbed by bismuth oxychloride under room temperature

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) with controllable morphologies is synthesized for room-temperature removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by a facile one-step hydrothermal methodology. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that the obtained BiOCl has a much better sulfur adsorption capacity than that of bismuth oxide. At room temperature, S atoms replaced O atoms in the first few atomic layers of BiOCl to form a passivation layer on its surface, preventing further erosion of the BiOCl material by H2S molecules. In the presence of oxygen, BiOCl can continue to oxidize the H2S molecules to sulfur. The diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformation spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations further verify the adsorption behaviors of H2S molecules on the surface of BiOCl. The comprehensive insight into the adsorption behavior of H2S on the BiOCl surface provides a reference for the development of novel room-temperature desulfurization materials and applications in anti-H2S corrosion.

Experimental investigation of impact force variations during high-speed liquid impingement erosion

High-speed liquid impingement erosion occurs in many industrial settings. The erosion transition, which occurs after the incubation period of liquid impingement erosion, significantly changes the erosion behavior, such as the material erosion rate and surface roughness; however, when and how the transition occurs remains elusive. The study focused on the impact force exerted on a material by a liquid jet impact during the transition in high-speed liquid impingement erosion. To this end, the force acting on an aluminum specimen attached to a force sensor during liquid impingement erosion was examined experimentally. The critical condition, which indicates the beginning of the accumulation stage of erosion, was detected through mass-loss measurements and visual observation of the target material. The results demonstrated a distinctive transition in the impact force with respect to the exposed flow volume. Additionally, a dynamic mode decomposition technique was employed to analyze variations in the impact force. Finally, the mechanism underlying the long-term variation in the impact force was discussed, and the correlation between the impact forces and erosion depths during high-speed liquid impingement erosion was presented.

Geophysical Study of a Large Landslide Affecting the Urban Area of Albuñuelas (S Spain)

The urban area of Albuñuelas, a small town located to the south of Granada (S Spain), has been developed in terrain affected by a large-scale rotational landslide with very slow rate of movement. Despite this situation, the internal structure of the landslide and how it has evolved to its present state has not been analyzed in depth up to now. In this paper, we present the first study performed on this landslide to define its configuration and characteristics. For this purpose, ambient noise single-station and array measurements were carried out along several cross-sections of the landslide. The inversion of the measurements has allowed for the estimation of the soil stratigraphy at each site of measurement. These geophysical results have been constrained by data from a borehole drilled in the zone and from field observations of the local geology, allowing for the reduction in uncertainties in the results. A geological–geophysical model of the landslide has been built from these data, showing that the landslide thicknesses is greater than 50 m in its central parts and above 60 m in the upper ones. This model reveals that the evolution of the landslide was complex, with several dislodged elements (blocks) that moved in sequence (retrogression) and were partially eroded in order to explain present morphology. The future evolution of this landslide will be controlled by the composition of the materials surveyed along the foot of the valley, being the western part where there are more erodible materials according to the obtained results.

Gravity-detached material increases sediment supply but requires more time to transport based on laboratory experiments

Mass movement erosion on the gully sidewalls is recognized as an important erosion mode and sediment source in hilly and gully watersheds. However, the trigger of mass movement erosion and transport of gravity-detached material remain poorly understood. A series of rainfall simulation experiments were conducted on six loess gully sidewall models, with a height (1 m), three rainfall (60 mm, 48 mm and 24 mm) and two slope gradients (70° and 80°), to quantitatively explore the sensitivity factor and transport mechanisms of mass movement. Results revealed that the accumulation volume and initiation of the mass failure were significantly influenced by rainfall amount. The accumulative volume of failure events was observed to increase in a linear pattern with increasing rainfall amount. The minimum cumulative rainfalls for the initiation of mass failure on the loess gully sidewalls were approximately 43.6, 28.2 and 65.6 mm for short-duration and high-intensity, medium-duration and moderate-intensity and short-duration and moderate-intensity rainfalls, respectively. This implied that the initiation of mass failure was more prone to rainfall events with a medium-duration and moderate-intensity than those with a high intensity and short duration. Rainfall amount and initial slope gradient were the most sensitive elements driving the number and volume of the mass movement erosion. Mass movement erosion raised sediment concentration, but the eroded material was unable to be transported by runoff in a timely manner. Average sediment concentrations at the model outlet increased by 1.9–11.9 times following the occurrence of mass failures compared to those before. A low instantaneous sediment delivery ratio of 0.032 for the mass movement erosion. The experimental findings help comprehend the influence of mass movement erosion on sediment supply on the gully sidewall in the hilly and gully network, i.e. the Loess Plateau.

Spatial and temporal distributions of clay minerals in the central Andaman Sea: Provenances and sedimentary processes over the last 42 kyr

The uplift of the Tibetan Plateau has led to the formation of the world’s largest sediment “source–sink” system in the northeastern Indian Ocean, and seafloor sediments record rich environmental and climatic information during the accumulation process, making it an ideal area to reconstruct past sedimentary processes. To reveal fine sediment provenance and climatic implications, we present a sedimentary reconstruction during the past 42 kyr based on clay mineral analyses of sediments from core ADM-159 retrieved from the central Andaman Sea. The clay minerals mainly consist of illite (I, 27%–47%) and kaolinite (K, 8%–37%) with minor smectite (S, 11%–37%) and chlorite (C, 11%–37%). Provenance analyses show that the illite-dominated clay minerals are mainly derived from terrestrial sources of detrital material input from the Irrawaddy River, indicating a primary supply of fine sediment from Myanmar terrestrial material. Considering the stable sediment provenance, S/K, S/(I+C), and the illite chemical index were chosen to reconstruct the transport pattern of the fine fraction sediment over the last 42 kyr. S/K and S/(I+C) showed relatively consistent trends over time with relatively high values at 32–25 and 15–6 ka BP, indicating a strong supply and transport capacity of fine particulate matter. In contrast, relatively low values of S/K and S/(I+C) occurred at 25–15 ka BP, indicating a relatively weak deposition process of fine sediments in the study area. The trends in S/K and S/(I+C) are roughly consistent with the variations in solar radiation. Together with the illite chemical index, these trends indicate that solar activity controlled the weathering and sedimentation of fine-grained sediments. We also found significant periodicities in our clay mineral records at 25.05 and 0.473–0.477 kyr, suggesting that the parameters of the Earth’s orbit and solar radiation were potential driving mechanisms of the changes in regional climate. Moreover, monsoon precipitation triggered by the movement of the intertropical convergence zone was another important factor controlling the supply and transport of fine particulate matter in the study area, especially the weak precipitation during the last deglacial period and the relatively strong precipitation during the Holocene, so we could draw a conclusion that precipitation during these periods had significant effects on the weathering, erosion, and transport of fine particulate terrestrial materials over the last 42 kyr.

Tailoring resonant magnetic perturbation to optimize fast-ion confinement during ELM control in KSTAR

3D resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) is one promising way to control edge localized modes that can cause excessive material erosion of tokamak first walls. However, RMP can lead to undesired degradation of plasma confinement, including fast-particle losses, which can impact the performance and safety of the reactor. This work investigates the optimization of the poloidal spectrum of the 3D field to optimize fast ion confinement during edge localized mode (ELM) suppression. In the initial step, the validity of the modeling framework is tested against experimental data. Simulations successfully replicate an increase in poloidal limiter temperature with different poloidal spectra. Then, the simulation shows improvement of fast ion confinement with a reduction of core resonant response, while edge resonant magnetic fields are maintained above the threshold to sustain the ELM suppression. Reduction of the core resonant fields keeps the Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser surface and reduces the fast particle losses due to the stochastic magnetic field lines. The results highlight the potential of edge localization of the resonant fields to enhance the performance of fusion reactors, but further investigation is needed to improve the validation of this approach.

Development of a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy device for in situ and rapid characterization of wall composition on the first wall of EAST tokamak

During the long-pulse operation of nuclear fusion devices, plasma-material interaction processes such as material erosion, transportation of eroded materials, and impurity redeposition can deteriorate the performance of plasma-facing components (PFCs). Accurately identifying impurities and their spatial distributions on the first wall is crucial to comprehensively and deep understanding these processes. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful spectral analytical technique that offers rapid, in situ, multi-elemental, and portable instrumentation advantages over the other techniques. Due to its unique and distinctive features, LIBS is a practical technique for composition and profilometry analysis in nuclear fusion devices. In this study, we report the development of a novel, compact, and portable LIBS device for in situ, real-time measurement of impurity distributions in nuclear fusion devices. This device is equipped with a mini-sized laser that can deliver 10 mJ per pulse, a main unit enclosing a power supply module, spectrometer modules, and customized software. The system was employed to characterize impurities on the first wall of the EAST tokamak under atmospheric conditions after the 2021 EAST spring-summer campaign. The successful in situ measurement demonstrates the feasibility of using the portable LIBS system integrated into a robotic arm in nuclear fusion device. The implement of this portable device can facilitate the operation of the nuclear fusion device by enabling real-time and continuous monitoring of impurities as well as the fuel retention.

Copper isotopes as a tool to trace contamination in mangroves from an urbanized watershed

This study investigates the chronology of copper (Cu) contamination and its stable isotopes within an emblematic Brazilian mangrove impacted by multiple urban and industrial Cu sources, deforestation, and eutrophication. In particular, it tests Cu isotopes as tracers of anthropogenic inputs into an anthropized watershed impacted by multiple sources. To do so, we used multi-isotopic approaches (δ65Cu, δ13C, and δ15N), elemental analyses (Al, Ca, Fe, P, Cu, C, and N), and selective and sequential extractions in a210Pb-dated sediment core. This geochemical "toolbox" allowed identifying two main stages of Cu evolution in the sediment core. In the first stage, before 1965, Cu isotope fingerprints responded to landscape changes, indicating a shift from marine to geogenic dominance due to the remobilization and erosion of terrestrial materials. In the second stage, after 1965, the sediment geochemical profile showed increased Cu total concentrations with a higher bioavailability (as reflected by sequential extraction data) accompanying changes in Cu isotope signatures towards anthropogenic values. The findings evidence that local industrial sources, possibly combined with diffuse urban sources, export Cu into downstream mangroves with a distinguishable isotope signature compared to natural values. This study demonstrates the applicability of Cu isotopes as new environmental forensic tools to trace anthropogenic sources in mangrove sediments. Incorporated into a robust geochemical toolbox that combines inorganic and organic proxies for sedimentary materials, this new tool provides a comprehensive understanding of Cu dynamics in mangrove ecosystems, shedding light on the historical and current sources of Cu.

Enhancing low-speed WEDM machining capabilities on Nitronic-50 with a constant frequency ultrasonic hybrid method

Nitronic-50 stainless steel is a high-strength and corrosion-resistant austenitic premium steel. It requires improved surface characteristics due to its wide use in various applications like fasteners, marine hardware, hydroelectric-power turbines, pressure vessels, etc. This work focuses on machining hard-to-machine Nitronic-50 steel is unconventionally machined using constant frequency ultrasonic-aided low-speed wire electrical discharge machining (USV-LS-WEDM) to enhance its machined surface integrity. This method achieves effective results when cutting high-strength materials with intricate shapes. Material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) were measured by considering inputs such as servo voltage (SV), pulse off time ( Toff), pulse on time ( Ton) and current (I) with an ultrasonic-vibration range of 20,000 Hz. The appropriate selection and usage of LS-WEDM parameters is a challenging process and is done with parametric analysis. The MRR of Nitronic-50 was enhanced with an increase in Ton and I along with a reduction in Toff and SV. Surface roughness (Ra) decreased with a gradual reduction in Ton, I, and an increase in SV. The USV-WEDM was compared with a stand-alone WEDM indicating that the MRR for USV-WEDM was improved by 12% and the Ra was decreased by 9% due to effective distribution of spark discharges, which increased material erosion and redistribution of molten metal characteristics. Machining quality for hard-to-machine Nitronic-50 steel was certainly enhanced via hybrid ultrasonic vibration with the existing LS-WEDM.

Enhanced arc erosion resistance via constructing W particle network structure in cold sprayed CuCrZr–W coating: Implication for electromagnetic launching system

In electromagnetic launching systems, arc erosion of rail material, such as Al2O3 dispersion-strengthened copper (ODS-Cu), remains a critical unresolved issue. Here, we report a cold-sprayed CuCrZr–W coating on ODS-Cu exhibiting enhanced arc erosion resistance. The coating was fabricated using a bimodal powder mixture comprising coarse CuCrZr and fine W particles, resulting in a dense structure with an embedded networks of fine W particles along intersplat boundaries. Compared to the ODS-Cu substrate, the CuCrZr–W coating displays superior arc erosion resistance, as evidenced by the reduced arc erosion area and depth, shorter arc duration, lower wielding force, and limited molten Al adhesion during arcing tests. The enhanced performance is attributed to a high density of W/CuCrZr interfaces that effectively disperse arcs, the W particle network that alters the flow path of molten Cu, lowering splashing and evaporation. This work provides valuable insights into developing high-performance, arc erosion-resistant coatings for applications where safeguarding against arc erosion is paramount.

Oxy-Butane Ablation Testing of Thermal Protection Systems Based on Nanomodified Phenolic Resin Matrix Materials.

Two classes of thermal protection systems composed of a carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFRP) layer and an ablative material layer joined with a thermo-resistant ceramic adhesive were developed. The two classes differ in the composition of the ablative material reinforcing compound. In the first class, the ablative material is based on micronic-sized cork granules, and in the second class, the ablative material is reinforced with carbonic felt. For both classes of thermal protection systems, the reinforcement material was impregnated in simple phenolic resin, and nanometric additive, consisting of silicon carbide nanoparticles added in two different weight contents (1 and 2% by weight) relative to the resin. The thermal conductivity for the ablative materials in the thermal protection systems structure was determined. A test facility using oxy-butane flame was developed through which the thermal protection systems developed were tested at extreme temperatures, to simulate some thermal conditions in space applications. The materials were characterised from a morphostructural point of view using optical and scanning electron microscopy after thermal testing. The TPS composed of the carbon-felt-based ablative layer showed improved behaviour compared to the cork-based ablative ones in terms of the temperature increase rate during thermal conductivity testing, mass loss, as well as morphostructural appearance and material erosion after oxy-butane testing. The nSiC-based samples in both sets of TPSs showed improved behaviour compared to the un-filled ones, considering the temperature increase, mass loss, and morphostructure of the eroded material.

Mobility and erosion of granular flows travelling on an erodible substrate: Insights from the small-scale flume experiments

Rock avalanches are extremely rapid, flow-like movements of dry debris mass with extreme destructive potential. Among the dynamical aspects of rock avalanches still inadequately understood, the flow along an erodible substrate stands out as a particularly significant one. We carried out a series of flume experiments to investigate the mobility and the erosion of granular flows on an erodible substrate. It was found that granular flows with a large total mass could evolve into a stable multi-layer flow when suffering the enhanced basal resistance (e.g., loose and dry erodible substrate). Without the variation of the properties of erodible material, the increase of total mass (from 5 kg to 15 kg) as well as the reduction of grain size (from 4 to 8 mm to 1–2 mm) has a positive influence on the mobility of the granular flows (max. 12% and max. 3.4% growths in runout distance, respectively), emphasizing the important roles of both the event magnitude and the internal friction. Total mass and the grain size have prominent influences also on the erosion effect of granular flow. An increase in flow mass causes an enhancement of the eroded depth and of the expansion in both backward and forward directions, while grain size enhanced only forward expansion in addition to the eroded depth. Altogether, the experiments indicate that an erodible substrate may have dramatic effects on the dynamics of an experimental granular flow. When applied to the field, they point to the importance of the nature of the basal material onto which a natural landslide collapses.

Relating soil properties to soil losses by wind erosion in a cultivated organic soil in the southwest of Quebec, Canada

Cultivated organic soils are known to be highly susceptible to wind erosion. The aim of this research was to explore the relationships between organic soil properties and measured soil height variation (SHV) in a cultivated organic soil and to analyze field soil erodibility (wind erodibility index: WEI) from known models. In the fall, 81 georeferenced soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–10 cm and analyzed in the laboratory to determine different soil properties. At the same time, soil height variations were measured over a 35-day period. Simple and multiple linear regressions were used to explore relationships between soil properties and analyze SHV and WEI. The average SHV across the farm was −0.19 mm per day, equivalent to a loss of 0.665 cm during the measurement period. Simple linear regression showed weak relationships with SHV. Nevertheless, the analysis showed that soil loss areas had a larger fraction of macro-aggregates. Conversely, deposition areas with low bulk density (BD) contained more fine material (organic matter [OM] and erodible material [EM]), suggesting wind erosion effects, i.e., deposition of fine matter. Many soil properties were found to correlate significantly with one another. Applying multiple linear regression with SHV and WEI as dependent variables and soil properties as independent variables produced the following results: a) 24% of the SHV was significantly explained by 6 soil properties (α=5%,p=0.001), BD, EM, mean weight diameter (MWD), elevation (Z), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and volumetric water (VW); and b) 75% of the variation in WEI was explained by 5 variables (α=5%,p=0.001), BD, VW, OM, MWD and GMD. This result shows that BD, VW, OM, MWD, EM, GMD, elevation Z are key soil properties in sustainable management of organic soil with >80% OM and will be used in a wind erosion risk model adapted to organic soils.

Dual-functional application of a metal-organic framework in high-performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high energy density batteries. However, the commercialization of LMBs is greatly hindered by several serious problems, including uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites, almost infinite expansion of electrode volume, and the erosion of electrode materials by liquid electrolytes. The present work addresses these issues by proposing a bifunctional Sn metal–organic framework (MOF) that acts as both a precursor of lithiophilic promoter for Li metal anode and an inert filler for polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid state electrolyte (SSE). As a result of excellent lithiophilicity, the SnO2 nanoparticles on carbon derived from Sn-MOF are applied to prepare a composite Li metal anode via molten Li infusion method to obtain excellent interfacial stability and long-term cycling performance. On the other hand, Sn-MOF is added to PEO-based SSE as an inert filler to obtain a composite SSE with a favorable ionic conductivity, outstanding Li+ transference number, and wide electrochemical window. The insight into the mechanism of Sn-MOF to improve the ionic conductivity of PEO-based electrolyte has been revealed by combined experimental analysis and first-principles calculations. An all-solid-state flexible LMB employing the optimal composite anode and SSE is demonstrated to attain an impressive electrochemical performance and the capability of powering actual devices.

Photoelectric sensors for wireless monitoring of bridge scour – laboratory investigation and field validation

Scour, or the erosion of bed material is a major cause of bridge failure across the world. Monitoring scour levels at bridge foundations reduces the risk of failure through timely condition-based maintenance. This paper evaluates the use of photoelectric sensors for scour detection through laboratory studies and subsequent field investigation. Two types of photoelectric sensors, namely diffusive-reflective and through-beam, were independently investigated. The sensors were installed at six distinct depths on a simulated bridge pier in a laboratory flume. Scour resulting from hydrodynamic action triggered the sensors at different levels, enabling scour depth detection. An inverse response from the sensors detected scour refill. Following successful laboratory tests, a photoelectric scour-sensing prototype was installed in a small creek in August 2019 which continued to monitor scour until April 2022. The prototype response confirmed laboratory results and continues to perform well under various field conditions such as rain, debris, and snow. The very low-cost system required minimal power and bandwidth, and the sensing component was robust to flow parameters. Long-term field studies are required to evaluate their susceptibility to biofouling and develop biofouling countermeasures.

Theoretical and practical research on micro hydrodynamic nozzles for modulated water jet generation as an innovation to replace continuous water jet in soft materials erosion

This study investigated the functionality of a newly developed micro hydrodynamic nozzle and its ability to generate a modulated water jet (MWJ) used for the erosion of soft materials. The procedure of nozzle design, numerical flow modelling, quality testing and functionality of the nozzle are presented. Well defined modulated jets were observed up to 1.5 MPa of input water pressure with an oscillation frequency of 88 kHz. Erosion characteristics of the modulated jets were investigated on soft gelatine samples. Three basic jet orientations were tested with respect to the eroded samples and to the trajectory of the nozzle movement. The erosion process of the MWJ was monitored using high-speed shadowgraph techniques. Then, the erosion depth was determined by image analysis methods. The test results show that the best erosion effect was obtained using the nozzle with 45° orientation with respect to the traverse direction.

Soil moisture effects on InSAR - A correction approach and example from a hyper-arid region

We present Interferometric Synthetic Aperture data spanning a series of precipitation events that impacted the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula in 2017-2018. The arid climate, sparse vegetation and low topographic relief result in very high interferometric coherence magnitude between most pairs of dates, even for those separated by multiple years. For pairs of dates with differing soil moisture conditions, such as a “dry” date and a date immediately following one of the precipitation events, the interferometric coherence magnitude is much lower. However, pairs spanning the same event, but with a longer time interval, have high interferometric coherence magnitude. This observation suggests that the phase changes that result in lower coherence for some pairs are not permanent, such as those that would result from erosion or deposition of material, but are due to the variations in soil moisture. In support of this view, when we compare the phase of individual pixels to their neighbors, we observe similar phase change trends for each precipitation event. We present a simple statistical model of the relationship between soil moisture and phase, and show that it predicts the observed coherence and phase histories within this particular SAR time series. We also show how the parameters of this relationship can be inferred from the InSAR observables, and can be used to reduce the soil moisture effects on coherence and phase even for pairs of dates that were not used in that parameter estimation. For the test data considered here, the noise associated with soil moisture is reduced by 40%. We present results for synthetic time series, including a demonstration of the widely-observed phenomenon that displacement rates inferred from InSAR time series depend on the choice of interferometric pairs used in the analysis.