A discussion on deformation of solids by the impact of liquids, and its relation to rain damage in aircraft and missiles, to blade erosion in steam turbines, and to cavitation erosion - Damage to solids caused by cavitation

Abstract

This paper describes the early stages of cavitation damage observed in cavitating venturi tunnels. The cavitating fluids were water and mercury, and a wide range of specimen materials were used. The damage was found to consist of single-event symmetical craters and irregular fatigue-type failures. The degree of damage was highly sensitive to minor flow perturbations, and this is discussed. The effect of stress level in the specimen before testing, and relations between cavitation resistance and the mechanical properties of the materials are considered.