Study on Erosion Wear and Stir Wear Characteristics of NM400 Wear-resistant Steel

    
    Introduction
    
    Erosion wear and cavitation wear are two of the main types of wear encountered in various industries. Erosion wear is a type of wear derived from friction, cavitation, and air pressure. Erosion wear is caused by particles, liquids, and other high-velocity objects impacting a surface, wearing away material and creating stress. Cavitation wear, on the other hand, is the removal of material from a surface due to the formation and collapse of bubbles produced from liquid or gaseous substances.
    
    NM400 wear-resistant steel is widely used in various industries as it is high in abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for many applications. In this study, the erosion wear and cavitation wear characteristics of NM400 wear-resistant steel were evaluated.
    
    Methodology
    
    This study was conducted in two parts. The first part was a laboratory experiment to evaluate and compare the erosion wear and cavitation wear characteristics of the NM400 wear-resistant steel. The second part of the study was a theoretical assessment of the wear mechanisms and formation of wear debris.
    
    Results
    
    The results of the laboratory experiment showed that the NM400 wear-resistant steel was highly resistant to erosion wear and cavitation wear. The material exhibited excellent wear resistance with no loss of material when tested against standard standards. The wear rates of the NM400 wear-resistant steel were significantly lower than those of comparable materials and were superior to those of other wear-resistant materials such as tempered/quenched and carburised steels.
    
    The theoretical assessment of wear mechanisms indicated that the NM400 wear-resistant steel experienced both plastic and adhesive wear, with plastic and hydrodynamic forces being the dominant wear mechanisms. The formation of wear debris was found to be predominantly due to the adhesion of the opposing wear surface, but with a small contribution from the plastic wear process.
    
    Conclusion
    
    This study concluded that the NM400 wear-resistant steel was highly resistant to erosion wear and cavitation wear, exhibiting superior wear resistance characteristics compared to other wear-resistant materials. The material was also found to experience both plastic and adhesive wear, with the formation of wear debris confirmed to be predominantly due to the adhesion of the opposing wear surface, but with a small contribution from the plastic wear process. This study serves as a useful reference for future investigations into the wear characteristics of NM400 wear-resistant steel.

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