An energy-concentrated, multifunction cavitation process employing X-rays from a synchrotron source was developed. Using this technology, the surface of an SC610 Ni-based superalloy single crystal was processed with a mixture of acetone and deuterated acetone, which produced higher bubble temperatures than water. Compared with a previously developed energy-concentrated cavitation system using a high magnetic field with laser irradiation (LMEI-MFC), this new process involving high-energy X-rays dramatically improved processing efficiency and increased the treatable area. After processing, the alloy surface was flattened, and the structural stabilization elements Ta, W, and Re were isolated on the surface, while the proportion of the γ’ phase was optimized. The processed surface was also free of any oxide film. This technology is expected to have applications in strengthening various heat-resistant metals.
Ito et al. (Wed,) studied this question.