Computer modelling of interference effects in erosion testing: effect of plume shape

A computer model that simulates the interference between rebounding and incident streams of spheres has previously been developed by three of the present authors. The model can accommodate a wide variety of incident particle, target surface, and blasting process parameters making it suitable for application to erosion testing, blast cleaning, and shot peening applications. In this paper, the algorithm that controls the angular distribution of the particles as they leave the nozzle (i.e. the shape of the plume of particles leaving the nozzle) is modified to simulate experiments performed by Shipway and Hutchings. Comparisons between the modified model and experimental data in the literature revealed good agreement. The modified model was then used to predict the critical flux for significant interference effects, an important parameter in erosion testing, as a function of both incident particle and blasting nozzle parameters. The results are presented in dimensionless form, so that the critical flux can be determined under a wide variety of experimental conditions. The results of the present study may have important applications in erosion testing, blast cleaning, and shot peening applications.