Experiments were performed to study the effect of erodent particle vel
ocity, size and shape on the erosion rate os S-glass, and to investiga
te the erosion mechanisms associated with these variables. The S-glass
specimens were subject to eroding particles of alundum and spherical
glass beads. Particle sizes ranged from 60 to 400 mu m; particle veloc
ities varied from approximately 60 to 90 m s(-1). An experimental appa
ratus that allows the tangential velocity component to be varied was e
mployed. Results are presented for erosion rate vs. impact angle, and
results indicate the dependence of the erosion on the shape (round or
angular) of the abrasive material. Scanning electron micrographs show
the effect of tangential velocity in crack propagation and material re
moval.