Influence of Impact Angle and Temperature on Solid Particle Erosion Behavior of Titanium-31

The present work shows the effects of impact angles and temperatures on volumetric erosion loss of titanium-31 alloy. An erosion tester was used to perform the erosion tests with temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C) and impact angles (30°, 60°, and 90°). The alumina particles (Al2O3) are used as an erodent particle with an average particle size of 50 μm. The microhardness, porosity, and surface roughness of titanium-31 alloy are evaluated. SEM/EDS and XRD were used to analyze titanium-31 alloy eroded samples. The weight loss method and 3D profilometer determined the volumetric erosion loss. The microhardness of titanium-31 alloy is found to be 337 ± 15HV0.3. The Volumetric erosion loss of titanium-31 alloy increased with increasing temperatures from 200 to 800 °C, whereas decreased with increasing impact angle from 30° to 90° for all temperatures. The volumetric erosion loss is higher at a 30° impact angle and lower at a 90° impact angle for all temperatures. As a result, titanium-31 alloy shows the ductile erosion mode for all temperatures. The volumetric erosion loss at 30° impact angles is due to micro-cutting and ploughing, whereas deep crater, groove, and raised lips are for 90° impact angles. The results of volumetric erosion loss obtained by the weight loss method exhibit a good correlation with a 3D optical profilometer.