Abstract

Methods of Increasing the Resistance of Structural Materials to the Destructive Influence of Cavitation 

It was shown by analyzing the course of damages caused by cavitation to materials that the resistance of materiais to cavitational erosion can be increased by changing their chemical composition (Fig, 5), physico-chemical properties and structure (Fig. 4). Good ,,anti-cavitation" properties of a material can be obtained by appropriate technological processes.

Discussed were some technical processes causing changes in the chemical composition in the near-surface layer of the material and structural changes on the surface or in the whole volume of the material, special attention was paid to the heat treatment, thermo-chemical treatment and surface welding, emphasized was also the advisability of carrying out statical-operating tests aimed at estabiishing such technological processes that can be useful during the construction of hydrautic machines and that will cause an increase in their lifetime despite the action of cavitation.