Solid particle erosion of carbon fibre– and glass fibre–epoxy composites

The solid particle erosion behaviour of unidirectional carbon and glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites has been characterized. The erosive wear of these composites have been evaluated at different impingement angles (15– 90°) and at three different fibre orientations (0, 45, and 90°). The particles used for the erosion measurements were steel balls with diameter of 300–500 (mu)m and impact velocity of 45 m/s. The unidirectional carbon and glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites showed semi ductile erosion behaviour, with maximum erosion rate at 60° impingement angle. The fibre orientations had a significant influence on erosion. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Possible erosion mechanisms are discussed.