A comparison of slurry erosion characteristics of TiNi shape memory alloys and SUS304 stainless steel

The slurry erosion characteristics of three TiNi shape memory alloys and SUS304 stainless steel using the liquid/solid impingement have been systematically studied. Experimental results show that more resistant TiNi alloys and less resistant SUS304 stainless steel exhibit ductile behavior and the maximum erosion has observed at 30 degrees. The surface morphologies exhibit many long furrows and ridges at low impingement angles. The exponent in the relation epsilon = kV(n) varied between 2 and 3 for impingement angles between 15 degrees and 90 degrees. Work hardening of surface is observed on the surface of all tested materials. The work hardening layer and thin platelet formation increase with angle of impingement. The SIM formation and pseudoelastic behavior of TiNi B2 phase, and variant accommodation and SIP formation of TiNi martensite, make important contributions to the slurry erosion resistance of TiNi alloys. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.