Effect of Particle Impact Angle, Erodent Particle Size and Acceleration Pressure on the Solid Particle Erosion Behavior of 3003 Aluminum Alloy

This study aims to examine solid particle erosion behavior of 3003 aluminum alloy. 3003 aluminum alloy samples were eroded in erosion test rig under various particle impingement angles (15°, 30°, 45° and 60°) and acceleration pressures (1.5, 3 and 4 bar) by using 80 mesh and 180 mesh sized erodent particles (garnet). The erosion rates of aluminum alloy samples were calculated depending on the erosion parameters. The erosion rates of the samples have varied dramatically depending on particle impingement angle, acceleration pressure and erodent particle size. The maximum erosion rates were observed at 15° impingement angles at all acceleration pressures and particle sizes. Moreover, erosion rates of the samples were increased with increases in acceleration pressure at all particle impingement angles and particle sizes. On the other hand, erosion rates of the samples decrease with increase in erodent particle sizes. Hence, maximum erosion was observed when the aluminum alloy eroded at 15° impingement angle and 4 bar pressure by using 180 mesh erodent particles. Finally, the eroded surfaces of the samples were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope. The surfaces of the samples were also investigated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis in scanning electron microscopy studies. Microcutting and microploughing erosion mechanisms were observed at 15° and 30° impingement angles, while deep cavities and valleys formed due to plastic deformation were observed at 45° and 60° impingement angles. Moreover, embedded erodent particles were clearly detected on the surfaces of the samples by energy dispersive X-ray analysis.