Abstract
In this research, we utilize image processing to analyze surfaces acquired from slurry-erosion tests carried out on AISI 5117 steel at various velocities and impact angles of 30 deg and 90 deg. The fractal and wavelet decomposition transform are two analysis tools that are particularly promising in this regard. These can be used to extract metrics that characterize slurry erosion in the same way that erosion rate is characterized. The study found that for a higher velocity of 15 m/s and a 30-deg impact angle, the fractal value was larger, irrespective of magnification. The fractal value is also in a positive linear regression with magnification. The extracted features of wavelet analysis were not distinctive for slurry-erosion behavior. The role of impact velocity in creating erosion damage is related to the variety of erosion mechanisms that are dependent on the particles' kinetic energy. Microscopic examinations of damaged surfaces revealed that extruded lips indentation was the major mechanism of erosion, which occurred at 5 m/s speed and 30-deg impingement angle. Ploughing was proved that it was the predominant erosion mechanism at high velocity. Hence, the impact velocity determines the length of the wear tracks created by the ploughing mechanism.