The Effect of the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloys on Their Resistance to Cavitation Erosion

The degradation of material surface structures caused by cavitation is of a mechanical nature due to cyclic local fatigue loading. Its intensity depends on both the material’s mechanical properties and its surface microstructure. Evaluating the surface structure resistance to cavitation loading can be performed based on experimentally determined mechanical properties and/or through macro- or microscopic analysis of the eroded structure. Manufacturers, designers, and users of hydromechanical equipment operating under cavitation conditions are interested in materials whose properties and structures can withstand cavitation loading. For this reason, the current experimental research in the field focuses on establishing relationships that express the influence of either mechanical properties or surface microstructure on the resistance of material structures to cavitation erosion. The current paper aligns with this research direction and aims to determine statistical relationships between mechanical properties and the cavitation erosion resistance of aluminum-based alloys. The mechanical properties considered include ultimate tensile strength (R_m), yield strength (R_p0.2), surface hardness (HB), resilience (KCU), and elongation at fracture (A5). Cavitation resistance is evaluated using the parameter R_cav, defined according to the ASTM G32-2016 standard. The experimental results were obtained from cavitation tests conducted using a standard vibratory device that complies with ASTM G32 requirements.