Removal rate

The removal rate, often also referred to as removal speed, is a measure of the speed at which material is removed from a surface. It is calculated as the quotient of the mass loss rate per unit area and the density of the material. The mass loss rate per unit area indicates how much mass is lost per unit area over a certain period of time. This value is often given in units such as grams per square meter per hour (g/m²/h).

The density of a material is its mass per unit volume and is expressed in units such as kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). To calculate the removal rate, the area-related mass loss rate is divided by the density of the material. The result indicates how quickly the material is removed in relation to its thickness.

These calculations are particularly important in materials science and engineering to assess the durability and resistance of materials under various mechanical stresses. For example, in corrosion research, where the removal rate is an indicator of a material's resistance to corrosive environments. By knowing the removal rate, materials can be selected or developed that better withstand the specific requirements and conditions, which helps to extend the service life and improve the performance of products.