Calculation and experimental determination of dimensions of hardening and tempering zones in quenched U7A steel irradiated with a pulsed electron beam

Based on metallographic data and microhardness depth distributions measured in preliminarily quenched and tempered U7A steel(1) (0.7% C) after irradiation with an electron beam of duration 10(-5) s, electron energy 170-180 keV and energy density 40-150 J/cm(2), the dimensions of the hardened and tempered zones have been determined. The experimental results are compared with those obtained by solving numerically the heat equation taking into account the processes of melting, evaporation, and crystallization. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical data is observed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.