Erosion mechanisms due to impact of single angular particles

This paper outlines recent progress in obtaining measurements of particle kinematics for comparison to this model. In particular, it describes a catapult apparatus capable of launching single angular particles of various shapes so that they arrive at the target in a known orientation. Fundamental mechanisms of material removal are identified, and measurements of incident and rebounding linear and angular velocity of single hardened steel particles launched against flat aluminum alloy targets, obtained via a high speed digital camera setup, are presented. When compared to the predictions of the rigid-plastic theory based computer simulation, good agreement is found.