Modeling of the initial stage in vibratory cavitation erosion tests by use of a Weibull distribution

This study is focused on the initial stage of the erosion process in vibratory cavitation erosion (VCE) tests. It consists of an investigation of the incubation time and nominal incubation time; their definitions, physical meaning, applicability, test results and variability. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are presented and an alternative method, based on the erosion threshold time (ETT), is suggested. This study was enhanced by modeling the erosion process by use of the Weibull cumulative distribution function (CDF). This distribution was found by the author to fit the VCE test results of Ni 200, and several other metals, with a high degree of accuracy. Data on the prevailing and alternative methods are processed from 21 erosion tests of Ni 200.