Is Stainless Steel SS316 resist to CAVITATION ?

RECALL...
As everybody aware that Stainless Steel (i.e. SS316) is "soft" compare to other material e.g Cast Iron, Duplex stainless steel, etc.

Why is stainless steel so good against cavitation ?
Wouldn't the imploding bubbles erode Stainless steel which is rather "soft" ?



This main due to work-hardening property of Stainless Steel. As one hammering a SS316 strip, you may notice that the surface work-hardens and difficult to change the shape.

Similar phenomenon occurs when fluid bubbles imploding and impacting on the surface of stainless steel. Implosion of bubble causing the Stainless steel work-hardens, and increase resistance to further cavitation.

As per expert advice (Pump Magazine), SS316 resists cavitation about 10-15 times better than cast iron whilst CA6NM (modified SS316) is roughly 2-3 times more resistant to cavitation as compared to SS 316.

Amazing !!!

JoeWong