Particle size threshold in the erosion of metals

It is postulated that erosive metal loss in the velocity range above 70 m s −1 requires that the deformed material under the particle be heated to a high temperature. The particle size below which the erosion rate drops appreciably is then calculated assuming that it is the diameter range below which heat is carried away so rapidly by conduction that this temperature rise cannot occur. Good agreement between predictions and experimental data is obtained.