Investigation of erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy

AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys are widely used in various applications in automotive and aircraft industries. They offer an attractive combination of surface properties, strength and corrosion resistance. The structural components manufactured by AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys can be exposed to impingement of solid particles throughout their service life. In this study, erosive wear behaviors of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy were investigated. For the evaluation of erosive wear induced by solid particle impacts, a detailed study was conducted on AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy by using aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) erodent particles. Two different particles were used in solid particle erosion tests, which are 60 mesh (212–300 µm) and 120 mesh (90–125 µm), respectively. Also, the aluminum alloy samples were tested under two different air pressures (1.5 bar and 3 bar). The erosive wear tests were carried out according to ASTM G76 standard at six various impact angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°). The surface roughness and morphology of worn samples were analyzed by using a non-contact laser profilometer. It was found that erodent particle size affected the surface erosion damage, erosion rate, crater morphology and roughness. The eroded surfaces of specimens were analyzed by SEM. The surfaces of specimens were also investigated by using EDS in SEM studies.