Erosion Wear Analysis of SiC Filled Glass-Epoxy Composites using Taguchi Technique

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the processing of a class of hybrid composites prepared by filling of SiC particulates in glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin. Experiments are conducted to study the solid particle erosion response of these composites. A theoretical model for the wear rate of the composites during solid particle impact erosion is proposed for predictive purpose. The validity of the theoretical model is assessed with experimental results and the influence of control factors like impingement angle, impact velocity, erodent temperature, erodent size, stand-off distance and filler content etc. on wear rate is studied. For this purpose a novel technique like Taguchi experimental design is employed. It is observed that the erodent temperature, filler content, impact velocity, impingement angle are the most significant factors effecting the erosion rate. The peak erosion rate is found to be occurring at an impingement angle of 75°. The morphology of eroded surfaces is examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and possible erosion mechanisms are discussed.