Cavitation Erosion Behavior of CrMnN Duplex Stainless Steel in Distilled Water and 3% NaCl Solution

The cavitation erosion (CE) behavior of CrMnIM ferrite-austenite duplex stainless steel in distilled water and 3% NaCI solution was investigated by using a magnetostrictive-induced CE facility. The damaged surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the CE resistance of CrMnN steel was higher than that of OCrl3Ni5Mo steel. The mass loss rate of CrMnN steel in distilled water was similar to that in 3% NaCI except at the early stage of CE. The failure mode of ferrite phase was brittle fracture, which had adverse effect on the resistance to CE, while the failure of austenite phase was a ductile failure in CrMnN steel. The excellent resistance to CE was related to the good mechanical properties of austenitic phase and the consumption of CE energy by plastic deformation involving slip and twinning.