Action of a nanosecond megavolt high-current electron beam on metals and alloys

Using the X-ray structural and the transmission electron microscopy analyses specific features of the phase and structure transformations in Armco-iron and steel 45 affected by a high-currentelectron beam of ∼ 10¹¹ W/cm² power density have been studied. It was revealed that hardening of steel with the martensite structure is of a through quasi-periodic character is caused by the action of a shock wave. The action of a shock wave results in formation of a thin (0.1–0.2 μm) layer on rear side of samples. The layer is composed of subgrains of α-ferrite of a regular hexagonal shape with thin layers of graphite on their boundaries.