Influence of Al ₂ O ₃ jets at sub-zero temperatures on the behavior of erosive wear and ductility on AISI 310 stainless steel

This work presents a novel experimental setup of Solid Particle Erosion (SPE) tests at different impact angles with the possibility of passing the air flux through a heat exchanger filled with Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) before the addition of the abrasive particles to the flux. The jet flow impact conditions into the chamber allow for the testing of samples from −60 °C to room temperature (RT). The test rig was designed based on the ASTM G76 and G211 standards. Aluminum oxide abrasive particles with an average size of 125 µm were used as erodent for the tests. Tensile tests were performed following the ASTM E8M standard to observe the change in material ductility under the established temperature conditions. The results of the SPE tests revealed a significant reduction in erosion rates at −60°C. Plastic deformation was identified as the primary wear mechanism at −60 °C and RT conditions. Furthermore, a change in the ductile behavior of stainless steel was observed. At RT, the highest erosion rate occurred at a 30° impact angle, whereas at sub-zero temperature, it was observed at 60°, indicating a decrease in ductility under these conditions. This change in ductility was quantified in the tensile tests conducted at the two temperatures investigated. It was observed that AISI 310 stainless steel maintains ductile behavior even under sub-zero temperature conditions.