Metal modification by high-power pulsed particle beams

Abstract

The current state of the art in modification of iron, steel, and titanium alloys and some metal multilayers by medium intensity (106-109 W cm-2) pulsed electron and ion beams is summarized, including the contribution from the authors. Many of the processes that determine a defect structure and its properties are described and such problems as the formation of elastic-plastic and shock waves, mixing of multilayers, thin film deposition, and nanophase powder synthesis are discussed. The high potential of the particle beam technology - in particular, for improving the operating characteristics of materials - have been demonstrated amply by research centres worldwide.