Evaluation of Alternative Erosion Test Methods

Abstract The resistance of materials to liquid impingement erosion and to cavitation erosion are considered related properties. Hence, test methods dealing with these erosion mechanisms that are covered by ASTM standards are considered as alternative tests for some applications.These methods consist of vibratory cavitation erosion, cavitating liquid jet erosion, and liquid impingement erosion. Meaningful comparison between test results obtained by these test methods depends on a high degree of repeatability and reproducibility within each test method. These prerequisites are not met in the prevailing standards, hence it is very difficult to convert test results between them. Increasing repeatability and reproducibility within each test method are possible. This requires the preparation of the unified specimens in a controlled way, and the application of relevant comparison criteria.