Cavitation erosion behaviour of an innovative aluminium alloy for Hybrid Aluminium Forging

Aluminium alloys are commonly used for the production of components, such as cylinders, pistons, pumps, valves and combustion chambers, which in service may incur in cavitation phenomenon. In the present paper, the cavitation erosion resistance of an innovative light-alloy used for Hybrid Aluminium Forging was investigated. The material was tested by means of an ultrasonic vibratory device in compliance with ASTM G32. In order to better estimate the material behaviour, the same investigation was performed on two commercial alloys, 6061 wrought alloy and A356 casting alloy. The cavitation resistance of these materials was evaluated by determining the erosion rate from the progressive measurements of the samples mass loss during the test. The erosion mechanism was studied by means of optical and scanning electron microscope, and its correlation with the alloy hardness and microstructure was evaluated. The innovative alloy shows remarkable cavitation erosion resistance, particularly in heat-treated conditions.