SOLID PARTICLE EROSION OF HARD ANODIZED AND UNCOATED 6061-T651 ALUMINUM-ALLOY

The solid particle erosion resistance of hard anodised 6061-T651 alumi nium alloy was determined at room temperature using slinger erosion ap paratus. Experimental conditions were chosen to represent erosion in g as turbine engine fuel systems. This study revealed that while hard an odised coatings after significant sliding wear resistance compared wit h the uncoated aluminium alloy, the erosion resistance at all angles o f incidence was inferior to the uncoated basis metal. Neither variatio n in the initial coating thickness, nor the extent of solid particle e rosion penetration into the coating significantly affected the erosion rates. Likewise, the hard anodised coating did not degrade the erosio n resistance of the basis metal. (C) 1997 The Institute of Materials.