What is Cavitation?
Cavitation is a form of erosion caused by the implosion of gas bubbles on a surface resulting in damage and material loss. We use vibratory apparatus to simulate the formation and collapse of cavities in a test liquid. This enables us to study the nature and the progression of cavitation damage and to rank and compare between several materials.
How do we test for cavitation resistance?
Testing is carried out according to the ASTM G32 Standard, “Test Method for Cavitation Erosion Using Vibratory Apparatus” in either pure or salt water. We can plot cumulative erosion vs exposure by periodically interrupting the test and measuring the mass loss for 8 to 12 hours. If the material density is known, we can convert to a mean depth of erosion to directly compare materials.

Cavitation erosion testing

3D texture mapping with Alicona
How we analyse the surface?
As well as testing materials, we can identify cavitation-related failure mechanisms and evaluate the level of damage present on working equipment, such as pumps and impellers. We use materials characterization techniques to analyse the damage.