Abstract:
Surface brittle fracture of metals is inhibited by impinging on the surface of the metal an intense pulsed beam of charged particles, neutral particles or radiation while the metal is maintained at a temperature at least above its nil ductility temperature. Energy from the pulsed beam creates high thermal gradients and concomitant high stresses which in turn effect high plastic strain in the surface region and produce a unique fine subgrain structure on and immediately underneath the surface. The treatment enhances the resistance of the metal surface to brittle fracture and results in decreased cracking, delaminating and grain lifting.