The Evaluation of Solid Particle Erosion in Polymethyl Methacrylate by Surface Topography Mapping

The present work introduces and demonstrates a novel high resolution surface topography method for mapping the distribution of erosive wear in polymethyl methacrylate. The technique is based on grayvalues obtained from eroded sample surfaces and three-dimensional surface topography mapping from these grayvalues. Surface topography maps make it a valuable method for fundamental studies on erosive wear. In the present investigation, a flatbed scanner system has been used for obtaining the surface images of eroded test samples. Polymethyl methacrylate test samples eroded with 80 and 120 mesh alumina particles at 1.5 and 3 bar blast pressures and their surface topography maps compared. Erosive wear is difficult to visualize for its dynamic and complex nature, hence monitoring of erosive wear in industrial applications is rather important. High resolution surface topography method detail capturing capability may improve tribological surface damage characterization of real machine elements. Reduced costs and simplicity two primary outcomes of using a simple flatbed scanner system in non destructive testing of erosive wear.