Fatigue properties of 2024-T3, 7075-T6 aluminum alloys modified using plasma-enhanced ion beams

This paper presents experimental results on the application of Microsecond Plasma Opening Switch (MPOS) technology to Al alloy surface modification. T he main objective of the experiments presented here was to study the change in the tensile and fatigue properties of the MPOS-treated Al2024, Al7075 a lloy samples. The bending fatigue test was carried out both in air and in c orrosive media. The measurements indicate significant improvement of fatigu e properties for the treated 7075 alloy in corrosive media (1.5 times highe r in fatigue limit). For the 2024 alloy the enhancement in fatigue lifetime for higher stresses tvas measured. Anodic polarization curve measurements were carried out at various values of fatigue cycles. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.