Influence of crystallographic orientation on cavitation erosion resistance of high interstitial CrMnCN austenitic stainless steels

The excellent resistance of high interstitial CrMnCN austenitic stainless steels to cavitation erosion was ascribed to strengthening by C+N and the low stacking fault energy causing improved resistance to fatigue and superior mechanical properties. Previous investigations revealed correlation of crystallographic orientation and cavitation erosion damage. In this study, different CrMnCN steels were investigated by ultrasonic cavitation testing. Results were correlated with indentation-derived properties. Alteration of the surface during cavitation was examined by scanning electron microscopy and electron back scatter diffraction. The investigations show influences of crystallographic orientation on the cavitation resistance of individual grains. A relationship between cavitation resistance and hardness and elastic indentation energy was derived in earlier research work. This study shows similar relationship for individual grains.