LAUSR

Abstract In this investigation, cast nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP). The mechanical properties and the cavitation erosion behavior of the as-cast and FSP NAB alloy were investigated. The results showed that the initial microstructure of the as-cast NAB transformed to the fine and homogeneous microstructure after FSP, therefore improving the microhardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of as-cast NAB alloy. The cavitation erosion test showed that the FSP improved the cavitation erosion resistance of the as-cast NAB alloy in the distilled water. Furthermore, the cavitation erosion mechanisms in as-cast and FSP NAB alloy were investigated and understood in terms of schematic diagrams in this research.