Fracturing of the Surface Layer of Al−Cu Alloy under the Action of a High-Power Ion Beam

Abstract

The fracturing of Al−Cu alloy surface layers is studied under the action of a high-power ion beam of nanosecond duration. Local exfoliation of the surface layer whose thickness is 7‒15 μm is found to occur if the alloy is irradiated once by an ion beam with a current density of 150 A/cm². Changes in the surface composition of the irradiated alloy are detected with the help of energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The alloy sample surface is enriched with copper under all irradiation conditions. Possible mechanisms of the observed fractures are discussed.