Characteristic features of relief formation on the surface of Ni3Al and Ni3Al-TiC composites as a result of low-energy high-current electron beam irradiation

Abstract

Using scanning electron microscopy and roughness measurements we studied the relief appeared on the surface of TiC-free Ni3Al and Ni3Al-TiC composites (TiC content was 10 and 30 vol%) as a result of low-energy high-current electron beam irradiation (the surface energy density was in the interval of 8–18.0 J/cm2, the accelerating voltage was 30 kV, the pulse duration was 3.2 μs, the number of pulses was 10 and 30). Using the same materials differing in the content of non-metallic particles for investigation enabled clarification of the role of non-metallic inclusions in the relief formation. The effect of the particles size, surface energy density and number of pulses was also analyzed. Three types of dimples forming the relief were revealed. Each of the type appeared following to its own formation mechanism. The applicability of the models existing in literature to explain relief formation was discussed.