Effect of phase transformation on cavitation erosion resistance of some ferrous alloys

Cavitation erosion resistance of two Fe–Mn–Si–Cr shape memory alloys and five Cr–Ni–Mn stainless steels has been investigated at speed 45 m s−1 using a rotating disc rig. Based on the localized surface elasticity He, the effect of phase transformation on cavitation erosion resistance has been discussed. The results show that the effect of phase transformation on the resistance of the tested alloys is significantly influenced by transformation characteristics. The resistance of two stress-induced hexagonal closed-packed martensite Fe–Mn–Si–Cr shape memory alloys is much better than that of three strain-induced body-centered cubic martensite Cr–Ni–Mn stainless steels. The role of phase transformation in the cavitation erosion resistance of the tested alloys is associated with the localized surface elasticity and energy absorption of phase transformation. The predominant factor characterizing the role of phase transformation in the cavitation erosion resistance of the tested alloys is the localized surface elasticity. As the value of He is close, the resistance can be obviously improved owing to energy absorption of phase transformation.