Erosion of Composite Materials

A model is presented which describes the response of uncoated and coated fiber reinforced composites subjected to repeated impingements of liquid (rain) droplets. The model is based on the concept that fatigue is the dominant factor in the erosion process. Algebraic expressions are pro-vided which give the incubation period, the rate of mass loss past the incubation period, and the total mass loss of the material during rain impact. Results are presented which show the influence of material properties on erosion damage and the protection offered by different coatings, and illustrate the use of the model in the design of structures and components.