Structural changes of metallic surfaces induced by ultrasound

The effect of ultrasounds on the surface of metallic plates with cubic faced centered (Al, Ag, Cu) or hexagonal (Zn) structure was studied. Treated surfaces were strongly attacked: a micrometric roughness and a superficial oxidation (characterized by roughness measurements and scanning electron microscopy) were induced. X-ray diffraction analyses showed a preferential reorientation of the maximum density planes for both crystallographic structures.