The influence of the squeeze film in slurry erosion

‘Squeeze films’ are thin layers of liquid separating approaching solid surfaces and which resist the close approach of those surfaces by their presence. In the context of slurry erosion it is conjectured that the presence of a squeeze film generally leads to a significant retardation of any particle closely approaching a wearing surface at any speed and may even prevent direct impact altogether if the particle has a sufficiently low Reynolds number. The development of these ideas in the context of particle impact and erosion wear measurements in a slurry pot tester together with experimental evidence in support of squeeze film particle retardation are described. Some implications for the mechanics of the wear process and some cautionary notes regarding uncertainties are also included.