A transition function for the solid particle erosion of rocks

A simple two-parameter model K1=1−exp[−(λ⋅χ)b] is derived, which can describe the response of rock materials during the erosion through rounded solid particles at normal incidence. A procedure for estimating the distribution parameters λ and b is proposed, and the procedure is applied to four rock materials (rhyolite, granite, limestone, and schist). Erosion experiments with quartz particles are performed in order to estimate K1 numbers for the rock materials. It is shown that the model covers different types of material response. The parameter K1 can be linked to general rock classification schemes.