Cavitation erosion of Ti–Ni base shape memory alloys

Cavitation erosion tests were carried out by using Ti–Ni base SMAs (shape memory alloys) with the addition of third elements (Co, Fe, V and Cu) to Ti–Ni SMA. The erosion resistance and its mechanism are discussed. Erosion resistance of Ti–Ni base SMAs is about 1/4 to 1/2 as compared with that of Ti–Ni SMA, but it is about 6–16 times higher than that of SUS304. It was found that the erosion resistance of the martensite phase is superior to that of the austenite phase. We conclude that the erosion resistance of Ti–Ni base SMAs mainly depends on the defect density and the removal rate at the eroded area.