Abstract
Liquid droplet erosion is a phenomenon that exists when liquid impacts a surface at a relatively high velocity that generates enough force to cause surface damage. This erosion has been ignored in early wind turbine designs due to their rotational speed being below the erosion threshold. However, the introduction to large-scale designs and offshore applications has shifted that focus. The knowledge of leading-edge protection has extended the lifespan of turbine operations by delaying the onset of damage caused by this erosion. Research into water droplet erosion is relatively new in comparison to other fields for erosion and turbine design. The goal of this paper is to develop an experimental facility to increase the available data for droplet erosion under standardized and repeatable conditions. The facility can test a variety of sample types at velocities up to 100 m/s in an artificial rain field. Testing will be conducted on metallic and non-metallic samples to measure mass loss caused by erosion. The facility is composed of cinderblock walls, a metal-framed roof, and a polycarbonate door for easy access and viewing of the test chamber. Rain field production is achieved via a peristaltic pump distributing water over ten needles that are mounted around the perimeter of the testing area. The needles are calibrated for flowrate and liquid droplet size produced for testing to match the desired rain intensity. Testing parameters include liquid type and conditions, droplet size and frequency, material type, rotation velocity, and specimen impact angle. Each specimen’s mass will be monitored to compare mass loss to the impact angle conditions. Test results will be compiled to generate a model for future erosion prediction and analysis for turbine material design and selection.
