Erosion behaviour of B4C/TiB2/Mo ceramic nozzles

Abstract B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles were obtained by uniaxial hot-pressing. The mechanical properties and erosion behaviour of B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles were investigated. Volume erosion rate was used to rank the erosion behaviour of the B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles. The relationship between mechanical properties and the volume erosion rate of the nozzles was discussed. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that in-situ reaction to form TiB 2 happened during sintering. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the fracture surfaces and eroded surfaces of B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles. A model of erodent particles and nozzle during the erosion test was established using the JH2 model. The maximum von Mises stresses on the entry, middle and exit surfaces of the nozzle were calculated. The result showed that the hardness played a key role in influencing the erosion behaviour of B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles. Erosion mechanisms of B 4 C/TiB 2 /Mo ceramic nozzles at the entry, middle and exit bore area were mainly brittle fracture, fracture & plowing and micro-plowing, respectively.