EFFECTS ON A SHEET SURFACE OF AN EROSIVE PARTICLE JET UPON IMPACT

The impact of particles on a surface can cause severe erosion damage. The erosion of a surface by abrasive particles in an inert fluid should depend on the number of particles striking the surface, their velocity and their direction relative to the surface. These quantities are largely determined by the flow conditions. The importance of knowledge of the flow field surrounding impinging particles and their target is emphasised for an understanding of erosion. A new erosion test bench has been built with the possibility of having a maximum number of extensions (for example we can utilise different projections systems). This erosion test bench has allowed experiments on particle velocities, impact areas and a study of the factors which influence sand erosion. This study permitted experimental verification of the turbulent jet theory and understanding of the interaction between particles and the sample.