Among the uses of stainless steel GX5CrNi18-10 one mentions the hydraulic machine blades and the rotors, which are highly susceptible to cavitation. To achieve a long life service under cavitation conditions, the pieces made of this steel are subjected to volumetric thermal treatments, which change the structure and mechanical properties. In this paper, one presents the results of the research concerning the behavior and the resistance to the cavitation erosion of the thermally sensitized GX5CrNi18-10 stainless steel, applying four different temperature regimes (two at 650°C and two at 750°C) and different durations (30 minutes and respectively 60 minutes). The results are presented in the form of cumulative mass loss curves M (t) and erosion rate v (t). The assessment of the cavitation resistance provided by each heat treatment regime is based on the average durability cavitation parameter, as defined by K. Steller. The research was conducted on the standard vibrator with piezo-ceramic crystals from the Cavitation Laboratory of the Politechnica University of Timisoara.

Inconel 718 is a very difficult metal for machining because of its high plasticity. Lately, more and more researchers are interested in using it for cavitation parts, such as the plugs and drawers of the valves. For this purpose, thermal volumetric treatments have been initiated to facilitate mechanical machining, aiming simultaneously to obtain good compression and cavitation resistance results. Therefore, this paper presents the results of cavitation erosion behavior and cavitation resistance of ICONEL 718, subjected to two thermal treatment regimes, differentiated by the duration (temperature 800 °C and residence times 5 hours, and respectively 10 hours). The assessment of the cavitation resistance provided by each heat treatment regime is based on the average durability cavitation parameter, as defined by K. Steller. The research is achieved by using the standard vibrator device with piezo - ceramic crystals from the Cavitation Laboratory of the Politechnica University of Timisoara.