Magnetic-assisted ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification induced microstructures of titanium alloy

Surface nanocrystallization together with compressive residual stresses can significantly improve the mechanical properties of metallic materials. An innovative surface process called magnetic-assisted ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (MA-UNSM) is reported here. By coupling integrates magnetoplasticity and shocking-induced plasticity, the MA-UNSM can enhance the plastic deformation capability of materials without significantly increasing the USNM processing temperature, thus realizing more effective grain refinement, deeper plastic-affected depth and higher-magnitude residual stresses, as evidenced by microscopic characterization and mechanical measurements. Our results demonstrated that the magnetic field improves the plasticity of the material by reducing the resistance between dislocations and pinning obstacles and thus enhances the effectiveness of ultrasonic peening treatment. Magnetic field with two intensities (0.25 T and 0.6 T) were used to assist UNSM, and the results showed that 0.6 T was the better condition.