Effect of material hardness on erosive wear behavior of some weld-deposited alloys

This paper reports on solid particle erosive behavior of some weld-deposited alloys. Six different weld-deposited alloys were selected for the present investigation. These alloys were deposited on mild steel plate by a manual metal arc welding technique. The surface hardness of the selected alloys was in the range 300-800 Hv. The solid particle erosion experiments were performed to investigate the effect of material hardness on E-alpha characteristics of these alloys. Erosion tests were conducted with 100-150 mum silica sand and 125 - 150 mum alumina particles at a velocity of 50 m sec(-1) and at impingement angles in the range 15-90degrees. The maximum in erosion rate occurred at impingement angles of 30-90degrees depending upon the alloy. The peak in erosion rate shifted to higher impingement angles with increasing material hardness. The eroded surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscope to study the operating erosion mechanisms. At lower impingement angles, the erosion mechanisms involved were plowing and ductile cutting, whereas at higher impingement angles, the material was removed by indentation, fracture, and low-cycle fatigue.