Erosion Test Evaluation by Noncumulative Mass Loss Data

Abstract Erosion tests are generally represented by cumulative erosion-time curves. These curves are evaluated by means of several criteria, such as nominal incubation time (NIT), maximum erosion rate (MER), time to reach a mean depth of erosion of 100 μm (t100) and terminal erosion rate (TER). These criteria are applied to assess the precision, and to obtain values of normalized erosion resistance (NER). The drawbacks of this evaluation method stem from the fact that these criteria are: 1. Point values–t100 and NIT2. Local values–MER and TER3. Rare value–TER4. With rather large variation–NIT5. Dependent on reference materials—NER.In order to overcome these drawbacks an alternative method is suggested. This method is based on noncumulative mass loss data, measured at equal test time intervals, along a specified test duration. These values are applied to study the erosion process and to characterize each material. This method is illustrated by analysis of erosion test results of four materials. The main advantage of this method is its ability to evaluate the erosion process on a micro-scale, thereby supplementing the prevailing method.