Influence of Shot Peening on Cavitation Erosion Resistance of Gray Cast Iron

In this study, optimal shot peening process conditions were investigated for improving the cavitation erosion resistance of gray cast iron under a marine environment. Shot peening was performed with variables of injection pressure and injection time. The durability was then evaluated through cavitation erosion test which was conducted according to the modified ASTM G-32 standard. The tendency of cavitation erosion damage according to shot peening process condition was investigated through weight loss rate, surface and cross-sectional analysis of the specimen before and after the test. As a result, the shot peening process condition that could minimize cavitation erosion was when the injection pressure was the lowest and when the injection time was the shortest. This was because the flake graphite exposed on the gray cast iron surface could be easily removed under such condition. Therefore, the notch effect can be prevented by surface modification. In addition, the cavitation erosion damage mechanism of gray cast iron was discussed in detail.