A study of cavitation erosion on engineering materials

High speed camera was used to analyse the bubble formation in the radiating surface of the horn made of 2024 aluminium alloy. In these videos, it was possible to observe that the bubble formation was similar to the cone-like bubble structure (CBS) observed in other cavitation studies. Additionally, high speed videos were obtained as abrasive particles were used to conduct the tests. In these, it was possible to observe how abrasive particles were moving along the two surfaces, staying in the clearance to cause higher wear damage on both surfaces. The “stationary” specimen was located at a 1 mm distance with respect to the position of the “vibratory” specimen which was attached to the radiating surface. Optical microscopy was used to identify the wear mechanisms which were characterized by a pitting action when only tap water was used whereas some scratches and irregular indentations similar to those observed in abrasive wear were seen on the surfaces with abrasive particles.