Abstract: The solid particle erosion experiments of impeller’s material FV520B in centrifugal compressor are carried out on the high-speed erosion experimental system with simulating the impeller’s actual working conditions. Erosion tests are conducted with alumina particles of 7 µm to 14 µm at impact velocities from 120 m/s to 210 m/s. The erosion behaviors of FV520B are studied systematically. The erosion mechanism is investigated by micromorphology analysis. The results show that, it is the transition period of erosion, when the particle mass is between 5- 80 g. When the particle mass is greater than 80 g, erosion rate becomes stabilized, it is the stable period of erosion. High-strength and low-strength FV520B materials both exhibit the erosion characteristics of typical plastic materials, their highest erosion rate occurs at the impact angle of 24° and 18°, the lowest erosion rate occurs at normal impact angle. The velocity index of high strength FV520B at the impact angle 24° and 90° are 3.37 and 3.68, it grows as the impact angle increases. The erosion mechanism of FV520B is microcutting and deformation wear, at low impact angles, the erosion is dominated by microcutting and microploughing, while at high impact angle greater than 60°, the erosion is dominated by deformation wear.

Key words: impellers of centrifugal compressor;FV520B;erosion;microcutting wear;deformation wear