METALLOGRAPHIC MODEL TO EVALUATE THE RESISTANCE TO THE CAVITATION IN AUSTENITIC STEELS FOR HYDRAULIC MACHINES

Abstract

The damage processes for cavitation is relevant in the field of the hydraulic machines, since its reparation can be very expensive. The purpose of this investigation was to determine a new model for the evaluation of materials, which allows to know its resistance to the cavitation, so it can be possible to make better designs to improve the resistance to this phenomenon. The model used to characterize the damage is based on theories of non-diffusive transformations in ferrous materials. The application of this model allows to determine an appropriate system of identification and measurement with standard metallographic skills (ultrasonic cavitation test + surface preparation + microstructural analysis). As  main conclusion it was found that it is possible to characterize the response of the material with an effective metalographic model, which uses standard equipment. It is expected that the obtained knowledge should allow addressing the development of new cavitation resistant alloys.