Thermomechanical processing of titanium alloys by high power pulsed ion beams

The effect of thermomechanical processing by high power pulsed ion beams (ions of C+ and H+, energy, E = 300 keV, ion current density in a pulse, j = 20-220 A.cm(-2), number of pulses, n = 1-100, pulse duration, tau = 50-100 ns) on the chemical composition and structure of titanium alloy parts surface layers (VT8M, VT9, VT18U and VT25U) were studied. It is shown that ion beam treatment and a post-process annealing allow the modification of the surface layers of the titanium alloy parts with thicknesses up to 100 mu m. As a result of this complex treatment, service properties of the titanium alloy details can be improved cardinally. The prospects of high power pulsed ion beam treatment application for aircraft engine building are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.