Effects of materials and solution temperatures on cavitation erosion of pure titanium and titanium alloy in seawater

Cavitation erosion was studied for various pure titanium and titanium alloy samples using a rotating disk method in seawater at 303, 318, and 333 K. Their respective erosion resistances were evaluated in terms of Vickers hardness (HV). The resistance increased in order with increasing hardness: pure titanium samples of first, second, and third types, and titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V). The relative temperature was defined as 273 K for freezing temperature and 373 K for boiling temperature under pressurized water. The volume loss rate of test specimens increased with rising seawater temperature of 289–316 K of the relative temperature, as well as in cases using cavitating liquid jet and vibratory apparatuses.