Cavitation Wear of Structural Ceramics

Abstract

The usage of advanced ceramic materials in the applications endangered by intensive cavitation could limit erosion phenomena distinctly. In the presented work, cavitation erosion resistance of ceramics the most commonly used in structural applications was investigated. These materials were oxide ones: α-alumina, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia, and two composites selected from alumina/zirconia system. Otherwise, the most promising non-oxide materials were examined: silicon carbide and silicon nitride. Results showed significant difference in cavitation wear mechanisms of all investigated materials. Degradation of alumina proceeded from the beginning on the relatively large surfaces, and the dominant mechanism of destruction was removing of the whole grains. Degradation of zirconia also consisted on removing of the whole grains, but this process proceeded locally, along ribbon-like paths. Cavitation wear of composites was strongly influenced by the residual stresses caused by the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch. Cavitation erosion of silicon nitride proceeded by selective degradation of glassy phase present on grain boundaries. On the contrary, silicon carbide degradation proceeded by large grain fragmentation process.

Non-Destructive Examination for Cavitation Resistance of Talc-Based Refractories with Different Zeolite Types Intended for Protective Coatings

“…The sources of heat that contribute to excessively high temperatures and cavitation in a system’s fluid may include high working temperature, turbulent flow conditions in conduits, heat of vaporization in cavitation flow, high-pressure drops across control orifices, high friction from rough surfaces and abrasive action, etc. Cavitation phenomena in metallurgical furnaces and reactors could be associated with the high temperature, turbulent fluid flow, high friction from different surfaces, and vaporization [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. The level of erosion caused by cavitation could be severe and could affect the fracture initiation, progression, and failure of the part.…”

“…Accordingly, many investigations have been related to cavitation erosion understanding, and those up to date are focused on new and advanced materials for different applications. A variety of materials, such as metals [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], ceramics [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], polymers [ 25 , 26 ], nanomaterials [ 16 ], and composites [ 27 , 28 , 29 ], were investigated for their possible applications in cavitation conditions.…”

“…Accordingly, many investigations have been related to cavitation erosion understanding, and those up to date are focused on new and advanced materials for different applications. A variety of materials, such as metals [12][13][14][15][17][18][19], ceramics [20][21][22][23][24], polymers [25,26], nanomaterials [16], and composites [27][28][29], were investigated for their possible applications in cavitation conditions. Some of the conditions related to cavitation are present in metallurgy, especially in different processes that could be characterized by high temperatures and high levels of erosion caused by solid (solid particles in furnaces, or flue gas), liquid (liquid metals or alloys), and gas (flue gas), influencing the refractory lining.…”