Impact erosion by high velocity micro-particles on a quartz crystal

A computational model using the discrete element method is presented to investigate the high velocity micro-particle impact process on a quartz crystal. The kinetic energy transfer from the impact particles to the target material is discussed. It shows that within the conditions considered 60-88% of the impact energy is consumed for crack formation and propagation, and the initiation of micro-cracks by an impact is mainly attributed to the shear stresses, while tensile stresses create more lateral and median cracks in the subsurface of the target than shear stresses. It also shows that a smaller impact angle with a lower particle velocity within the range considered in this study yields less subsurface damage to the target and also lower material erosion.