Comparative study of cavitation erosion resistance of austenitic steels with different levels of metastability

Introduction. Reliability-critical components of equipment working in contact with high-speed liquid media (for example, turbine blades hydroelectric power stations, pump impellers, ship propellers) are subjected to one the types wear – cavitation erosion. The current study aims select and scientifically substantiate type coating its structural-phase state for effective protection parts from Research methods. carries out a comparative analysis differences erosion resistance characteristic austenitic steels, form bulk material (316L) coatings (E308L, 60Cr8TiAl), used against Arc surfacing, i.e. MMA MIG, is depositing coatings. tests carried on an original installation evaluating materials applying ultrasound electrical potential difference. Results Discussion. results show that 60Cr8TiAl has higher than E308L 316L by 4 10 times, respectively. structural factors determine damage identified analyze reasons resistance. Firstly, strong dependence steels intensity deformation martensitic transformation, developing under influence cavitation, confirmed. This transformation contributes increase surface layer. In metastable steel, martensite (α′) formed layer during initial test period. causes hardness, dissipation energy external action, appearance compressive stresses prevent occurrence microcracks. Subsequently, additional hardening previously dispersed crystals α′-martensite occurs. 60Cr8TiAl, these effects significantly stronger due level metastability austenite formation carbon martensite.