Simulation of Erosion by Particle Impact on a Rough Surface

In many industrial conditions, we deal with impact of particles on a surface that can cause premature failure. A series of studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of parameters on this phenomenon on smooth surfaces at micron-scale. But there is no ideally smooth surface at this micron level. Our study investigated the effect of particle parameters on erosion rate on rough surfaces and obtained their diagram in terms of erosion rate. The modeled particle velocity was in a range between 25 and 150 m/s, and particle diameter is in a range between 216 and 1080 μm. In our numerical study, an erosion model that is based on the impact of a single particle on a small area of surface was described. Then, in our experimental study, different zones that are created due to multiple particle impact on large area of surface were identified. © 2014, ASM International.