ASTM G134-17 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Erosion of Solid Materials by a Cavitating Liquid Jet — ASTM G134‑17 (reapproved/updated 2023). This test method defines a reproducible cavitating-jet apparatus and procedures for comparing cavitation-erosion resistance of solid materials by impinging a submerged cavitating liquid jet on test specimens under specified conditions.

Abstract

This standard specifies nozzle geometry, specimen dimensions and mounting, test-chamber minimums, and procedures to control jet velocity and chamber pressure so that cavities collapse on the specimen surface and produce erosion. It is intended for comparative screening of materials and liquids for cavitation-erosion performance and provides reference materials and normalization procedures.

General information

• Status: Current — original approval 2017 (ASTM G134‑17); reapproved/updated in 2023 (designation sometimes shown as ASTM G134‑17(2023)).
• Publication date: Originally issued 1 November 2017; reissued / updated June 2023 (recorded updates in mid‑2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 19.060 — Mechanical testing; Corrosion of metals; Wear and erosion.
• Edition / version: G134‑17 (2017) — reapproved/updated 2023 (published as G134‑17(2023) in some catalogs).
• Number of pages: 17 pages.

Scope

The test method covers a laboratory procedure for producing and controlling a submerged cavitating jet that issues from a specified nozzle to impinge on a specimen so that cavities collapse on the surface and cause erosion. It specifies apparatus geometry, standoff distances, selected test conditions (including flow and pressure), and reporting requirements; it may be used to compare materials or liquids and to verify facility operation using specified reference materials. The method is presented as an alternative to ultrasonic cavitation methods (see Test Method G32) and is not intended to address combined electrochemical corrosion or solid-particle impingement unless specifically adapted.

Key topics and requirements

• Specified nozzle and nozzle-holder geometry and dimensions to generate a reproducible cavitating jet.
• Defined specimen size, mounting method, and minimum test-chamber dimensions.
• Control and reporting of jet velocity, downstream (chamber) pressure, and cavitation number to permit comparable testing and scaled acceleration of tests.
• Standard test conditions and allowable deviations with required documentation.
• Use of standard reference materials to verify apparatus performance and normalize erosion resistance results.
• Guidance on fluids: tests for liquids run to waste (e.g., tap water) and for recirculated liquids (e.g., reagent water, oils) with slightly different circuits.
• Notes on limitations: not a complete substitute when corrosion or particle impingement dominate unless adapted.

Typical use and users

Materials engineers, corrosion and wear researchers, R&D and test laboratories, and manufacturers of hydraulic equipment (pumps, turbines, valves, propellers, hydrofoils, engine components) use this method to screen candidate materials, compare coatings, or evaluate liquid media under controlled cavitation conditions. It is also used to qualify test rigs using reference materials before comparative testing.

Related standards

Test Method G32 (ultrasonic cavitation-erosion) — alternative approach using high‑frequency vibration; Practice G73 (high-speed water-drop impingement) for liquid-drop impingement; earlier editions of ASTM G134 (e.g., G134‑95 and interim revisions) and document history noted in catalog records. Users should consult G32 and G73 for complementary or alternative erosion-testing procedures.

Keywords

cavitation erosion; cavitating jet; cavitation number; erosion testing; impinging jet; flow cavitation; nozzle geometry; reference materials; erosion-corrosion (when adapted).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM G134‑17 is a standardized laboratory test method that prescribes an apparatus and procedures for producing a submerged cavitating liquid jet to compare erosion resistance of solid materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nozzle and chamber geometry, specimen preparation and mounting, selection of test conditions (jet velocity, chamber pressure, standoff distance), data reporting, and the use of reference materials to normalize results. It also describes differences for tests using waste vs. recirculated liquids.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, materials and corrosion engineers, R&D teams for hydraulic machinery and marine components, and coating developers who need comparative cavitation‑erosion data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The G134‑17 edition was originally approved in 2017 and has catalog records showing it reapproved/updated in 2023 (often referenced as G134‑17(2023) in listings). Users should verify they have the latest published/reapproved text before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM corrosion/wear/erosion test methods collection (Book of Standards Vol. 03.02) and is cross‑referenced with related ASTM methods such as G32 and G73.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cavitation erosion, cavitating jet, erosion testing, flow cavitation, cavitation number, nozzle geometry, reference materials.