Search

The study aimed to substantiate the nature of the interaction between the economic efficiency of the peat industry and the sustainability of the region on the example of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (KhMAA) of Russia. Based on the development indicators of the districts of KhMAA for 2017-2020, the factors characterizing the components of sustainable regional development were determined using the principal components’ method. Using the fuzzy sets’ method, the values, levels of the factors, and the integral indicator of sustainable development were calculated, and the realized and unrealized potential of peat industry development in the context of the districts of the study area were determined. The causal relationships between indicators of regional sustainable development and peat industry potential, and the nature of dependence between the indicators, are argued. The regional development prospects were revealed through the peat industry development based on the regression models built by calculating the elasticity coefficients.

The quantitative estimation of strengthening mechanisms of rails’ surface layer is carried out on the basis of regularities and formation mechanisms of structure-phase states revealed by the methods of modern physical materials science. It is performed at different depth of rail head along central axis and fillet of differentially quenched 100-m rails after extremely long-term operation (gross passed tonnage of 1411 mln. tons). The contributions caused by the matrix lattice friction, intraphase boundaries, dislocation substructure, presence of carbide particles, internal stress fields, solid-solution strengthening of pearlite component of steel structure were estimated. It is shown that in the surface layer the main mechanism of strengthening is due to the interaction of moving dislocations with low-angle boundaries of nanometer dimensional fragments and subgrains. In a near-surface layer at a depth of 2–10 mm the main dislocation strengthening mechanism is due to interaction of moving dislocations with immobile ones.

The article examines the problems of job satisfaction of agricultural workers in the context of digital transformation, in particular, the introduction of robotics into production. The main hypothesis of the study is that the use of robotics in agriculture will increase the job satisfaction of workers interacting with robots. The results of a questionnaire survey of job satisfaction of operators of machine and robotic milking are presented. The respondents were most satisfied with the operation of the equipment (8.7 points), the work schedule (8.1 points), the level of supply of consumables (7.8 points). The smallest value of job satisfaction was found in terms of sanitary and hygienic conditions – 6.21 points. Robotic milking operators are more satisfied with the work schedule and work safety than their counterparts on farms without robots. Overall satisfaction with the work of milking machine operators is 6.9 points, and for robotic milking operators – 8.07 points, which is 1.17 points higher. Specific recommendations are given on the use of robotics in agricultural production, which can significantly increase the indicators of job satisfaction.

The slowdown in agricultural growth in Russia determines the development of an innovation base for expanding exports. Therefore, the formation of a new social class of farmers-entrepreneurs, focused on the implementation of innovative activities, becomes relevant. The aim of the study was to develop an econometric model for assessing the economic types of farmers-entrepreneurs according to the system “innovator versus conservative” using the example of the agro-industrial complex. The questionnaire method was used to determine the levels of innovative development of the respondents. The survey was conducted from October 2017 to December 2019; 900 farmers from Tver, Kursk, Tambov, Penza, Arkhangelsk, Kurgan, Leningrad regions, as well as Yakutia took part in it. Using the method of cluster analysis, all classes (categories) of farmers-entrepreneurs are determined by the level of innovation. Depending on the type of enterprise, classification functions of farmers have been developed

The regularities and formation mechanisms of structural-phase states and properties at different depths in the rail heads along the central axis and fillet after differential quenching of 100-meter rails and extremely long operation (with passed tonnage of 1411 million tons gross weight) have been revealed by the methods of the state-of-the-art physical materials science. As revealed, the differential quenching is accompanied by the formation of morphologically multi-aspect structure presented by grains of lamellar perlite, ferrite–carbide mixture, and structure-free ferrite. The steel structure is characterized by the α-Fe lattice parameter, the level of microstresses, the size of coherent-scattering region, the value of interlamellar distance, the scalar and excess dislocation densities. As shown, the extremely long operation of rails is accompanied by the numerous transformations of metal structure of rail head: firstly, a fracture of lamellar pearlite structure and a formation of subgrain structure of submicron (100–150 nm) sizes in the bulk of pearlite colonies; secondly, a precipitation of carbide phase particles of nanometer range along the boundaries and in the bulk of subgrains; thirdly, a microdistortion growth of steel crystal lattice; fourthly, a strain hardening of metal resulting in the increase (by 1.5-fold) in scalar and excess dislocation densities relative to the initial state. A long-term operation of rails is accompanied by the formation of structural constituent gradient consisting in a regular change in the relative content of lamellar pearlite, fractured pearlite, and structure of ferrite–carbide mixture along cross-section of railhead. As the distance to the rail fillet surface decreases, a relative content of metal volume with lamellar pearlite decreases, and that with the structure of fractured pearlite and ferrite–carbide mixture increases. As determined, the characteristic feature of ferrite–carbide mixture structure is a nanosize range of grains, subgrains and carbide-phase particles forming it. The size of grains and subgrains forming the type of structure varies in the limits of 40–70 nm; the size of carbide-phase particles located along the boundaries of grains and subgrains varies in the limits of 8–20 nm. A multiaspect character of steel strengthening is detected that is caused by several factors: firstly, the substructural strengthening due to the formation of fragment subboundaries, whose boundaries are stabilized by the carbide-phase particles; secondly, the strengthening by carbide-phase particles located in the bulk of fragments and on elements of dislocation substructure (dispersion hardening); thirdly, the strengthening caused by the precipitation of carbon atoms on dislocations (formation of Cottrell atmospheres); fourthly, the strengthening being introduced by internal stress fields due to incompatibility of crystal-lattices’ deformation of α-phase structural constituents and carbide-phase particles.

Recent papers on the application of intense pulsed electron beams for surface treatment of metals, alloys, metalloceramic and ceramic materials are reviewed. The advantages of pulsed electron beam application as compared with laser beams, plasma flows, ion beams are mentioned. Promising trends of the electron-beam processing application are analysed: (1) the surface smoothing, the elimination of surface microcracks with simultaneous change in structural-phase state of the surface layer for creating the high production technologies of finishing treatment of critical metal products of intricate shape from Ti–6Al–4V alloy and titanium, steels of different classes, WC–10 wt.% Co hard alloy, aluminium; (2) the removal of microburrs being formed in manufacturing of precision moulds (SKD11 steel) and biomedical materials (Ti–6Al–4V alloy); (3) the finishing surface treatment of moulds and dies; (4) the improvement of functional properties of metallic biomaterials: stainless steel, titanium and its alloys, the titanium-nickelide-based alloys possessing the shape memory effect, magnesium alloys; (5) the treatment of medical materials and implants; (6) the formation of surface alloys for powerful electrodynamic systems; (7) the improvement of characteristics of aircraft engine and compressor blades; (8) the formation of thermobarrier coatings being applied to combustion-chamber surface; (9) the increase in fatigue service life of steels and alloys; (10) the hardening of rails’ tread surface. As shown, at a correct selection of process parameters, such as (i) accelerating voltage, (ii) energy density of electron beam, (iii) pulse number, and (iv) pulse length, it is possible to control thoroughly and/or to manipulate the characteristics of structural-phase state and properties of surface. As noted, the important factor for improvement of the material properties and service duration of devices manufactured from it, there is the modification of structure in order to form a submicro- and nanosize grain (or subgrain structure).

The purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to assess the regional potential of the territory enriched with peat resources and to develop strategic directions and mechanisms aimed at its further sustainable and competitive development. The methodology: Methodology is based on a systematic analysis of socio-economic processes, the use of monographic studies, the use of abstract-logical, economic-statistical, computational-constructive, and expert research methods. The object of the research is the production and social infrastructure of out-of-town territories. The subject of the research is to identify patterns, trends, and features of the formation and functioning of the industrial and social infrastructure of the out-of-town territory. Main findings: The use of new technological processes and equipment for the processing of peat and mineral raw materials was substantiated scientifically to obtain new composite materials for multipurpose applications. The features of the use of local peat resources in ensuring the development of out-of-town territories were investigated based on a set of scientific approaches. The feasibility and effectiveness of the application of project management for the natural and technogenic complex to ensure multi-criteria optimization of the production and social infrastructure were established. Applications of this study: The results of this study were tested and implemented within the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, which made it possible to develop a strategy for the development of a cluster-type okrug and increase the efficiency of using local peat resources of extra-urban areas. The novelty (originality) of this study lies in the fact that the conducted research enabled to identify new features of the use of local peat resources in ensuring sustainable development of out-of-town territories, and to develop a strategy of socio-economic development adequate to new challenges of the external environment.

The decay mechanism of silicon particles in silumin in the thermal effect zone of low-energy high-current electron beam is proposed. Its essence consists in the fact that under the effect of the mechanical stresses the interface of silicon inclusion with aluminum matrix becomes instable resulting in the decay of silicon particle. It was supposed that the instability was the analog of Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The mechanical stresses arising due to the discrepancy of the elastic moduli and the linear expansion coefficients of the inclusion and the matrix are the analogs of gravity force. The analysis of the initial stage of instability within the frameworks of the visco-potential approximation has shown that the dependence of the rate of perturbations’ growth has only one maximum which falls on the wave length of the order ≈ 500 nm that is 5-fold higher than that of the experimental data. Such a discrepancy may be explained by the fact that when developing the model the temperature of the silicon inclusion and the aluminum matrix was considered to be constant, similar and being equal to the eutectic temperature of silumin. In fact, the temperatures of the inclusion and the matrix are different. To take into account the influence of these facts on the instability of the interface the new investigations are necessary.

The analysis of the gradient structure-phase states and nanohardness of hypoeutectoid silumin at 120 μm depth after the processing by high intensive electron beams in the regime of top layer melting has been carried out. It has been shown that depending on the depth to the surface of irradiation the electron beam processing leads to the dissolution of the primary inclusions of silicon and intermetallides and the formation of structure of high-speed cellular crystallization of aluminium and the grains of plastic eutectic. A 1.5‒2 fold decrease in the concentration of the alloying elements has been detected. The hardness of irradiated silumin changes in a nonmonotonous way and reaches the maximum values exceeding the hardness of the initial state by 3.8‒4.2 times in the layer located at 30–50 μm depth. The interpretation of the observed changes in structure and hardness on irradiation has been given.

The structure, phase composition and tribological properties of surface layers of hypoeutectic silumin after the complex processing including the electroexplosion alloying with the yttrium oxide powder in different regimes and the subsequent electron beam processing have been analyzed by the methods of modern physical material science. With respect to the initial silumin the ≈20-fold increase in the wear resistance and ≈1.5-fold decrease in the friction coefficient have been detected. The complex processing is accompanied by the formation of the multiphase submicro—nanocrystalline layer up to 80 μm in thickness enriched by yttrium and oxygen atoms responsible for the multiple increase in the wear resistance. At the complex processing according to the first regime of electroexplosion alloying (EEA) (Y2O3 powder mass—0.0589 g, discharge voltage—2.8 kV) with the subsequent electron beam irradiation, the major phase of the modified layer is the solid solution based on Al (≈71.2 mass %), the remaining phases are SiO2, YAlO3, YSi2. The 1.5-fold increase in the mass of Y2O3 powder at EEA and 1.1-fold decrease in the discharge voltage is accompanied by the increase in the quantity of phases, the significant (more than 2.5-fold) decrease in the content of the solid solution based on Al, the ≈2.2-fold increase in the content of silicon oxide, the presence of yttrium oxide and metallic yttrium.

The analysis of structure, phase composition and tribological properties of surface layers of hypoeutectic silumin after complex treatment including the electroexplosion alloying by yttrium oxide powder in different modes and subsequent electron beam processing was done by the methods of modern physical material science. The complex treatment is accompanied by the formation of multi–phase submicro – nanocrystalline layer up to 80 μm thick enriched by yttrium atoms and being responsible for the increase in wear resistance. It is shown that Y atom concentration in the modified layer depends on electroexplosion alloying (EEA) mode. The distribution of Y atoms in the layer depends on the mode of EEA as well.

The structural-phase states, microhardness, and tribological properties of hypoeutectic silumin after electron-beam treatment are studied by the methods of contemporary physical materials science. The object of the study is hypoeutectic АК10М2Н-type silumin containing 87.88 wt.% of Al and 11.1 wt.% of Si as the base components. The silumin surface is subjected to electron-beam treatment in six various regimes distinct in the density of electron-beam energy. The microhardness measurements of the modified silumin-surface layers enabled to determine three optimal impact regimes (with electron-beam energy densities of 25, 30, and 35 J/cm2), when the modified-layer microhardness exceeds that for the cast silumin. The obtained parameters are as follow: 0.86 ± 0.41 GPa for the cast state; 0.93 ± 0.52 GPa for 25 J/cm2; 0.97 ± 0.071 GPa for 30 J/cm2; 0.96 ± 0.103 GPa for 35 J/cm2. As found, the electron-beam treatment with the optimal parameters results in the formation of the surface whose mechanical and tribological characteristics sufficiently exceed corresponding values for the cast state of silumin. The atomic-force microscopy data correlate with the results on microhardness. The samples treated in the presented regimes are characterised with the fine-grained cellular structure and have the least roughness of the treated layer (of 17–33 nm) and substrate (of 45–57 nm) as compared to other regimes. As revealed, in the treated layer, the fine-grained, graded, and cellular structure is formed, and it transforms into the mixed-type structure when deepening away from the surface of treatment. Depending on the parameters of electron-beam treatment, the thickness of homogenized layer varies and reaches the maximum values of 100 m at the energy density of 35 J/cm2. As detected, the modified layer is free from intermetallides and consists of the nanocrystalline structure of cellular crystallization. As assumed, these two factors are responsible for the increased mechanical and tribological characteristics of the modified layer. The formation mechanism for structure of cellular and columnar crystallization consisting in the initiation of thermocapillary instability over the ‘evaporated substance/liquid phase’ interface is offered. The mathematical model of the thermal effect of electron beam on the silumin-surface layers is developed.

The structural phase states and silumin’s defect substructure of silumin hypoeutectoid composition subjected to electron beam processing with the following parameters: energy density—25 J/cm2, pulse duration—150 µs, number of pulses—3, pulsed repetition rate—0.3 Hz were analyzed by methods of modern physical material science. The irradiation of the surface leads to the melting of the surface layer, the structure formation of high-speed cellular crystallization of submicron dimentions and the repeated precipitation of the second phase particles. The cells formation of two types: those free from precipitations of the second phase and those containing the lamellar eutectic Al–Si was revealed. The cells are separated by the second phase interlayers containing the particles of Cu15Si14Al4Cu9, silicon and copper. As the distance from the surface of irradiation increases the layer containing the second phase inclusions of quasi—equilibrium shape are defined along with the crystallization cells. It is indicative of the occurance of the globularization processes of silumin’s structure on electron beam processing.

The research deals with the modification of AlSi5Cu2and AlSi10Cu2 alloy surfaces by the method of electron beam processing. It is established that the irradiation of the alloys by concentrated energy flow is accompanied by the increase in microhardness and covering the surface defects. Due to a great temperature difference between two media the surface melts at a superhigh rate and crystallizes again, because of it a grain size decreases resulting in the increase in microhardness. The arising tensile stresses contribute to the covering of the surface defects.

The analysis of structure, defect substructure, elemental and phase compounds and friction properties of Al-11wt%Si alloy surface layer of subjected to complex treatment was carried out by methods of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Complex treatment includes the electroexplosion influence by Al-Y2O3 compound and subsequent electron beam irradiation. The surface layer ≈ 80 μm thick is formed by high-velocity crystallization cells of 0.8-1.3 μm in dimension. Interlayers 50–75 nm thick located along the cells of high-velocity crystallization are enriched by atoms of silicon and yttrium. Complex surface treatment leads to the increase by 18 times in wear resistance and decrease by 1.6 times in the friction factor of the modified layer.

By the methods of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at micro- and nanoscale levels the quantitative transformations of structure at a depth of 0, 2, 5, 10 mm along central axis and symmetry axis of fillet head of lengthy differentially quenched rails after severe plastic deformation (passed tonnage of 1770 mln. gross tons) are revealed. At a microscale level the transformation of cementite plates by newly formed grain boundaries absorption of carbon atoms from bulk carbides is established. At a nanoscale level the subgrain structure, being formed in surface layers, contains cementite nanodimensional particles, localized in junctions and along subgrain boundaries. This type of structure was formed as a result of dynamic recrystallization under megaplastic deformation being realized in a process of extremely long-term service of rails. The formation of so-called ‘channels of deformation’ is determined. It is shown that scalar and excess dislocation density in ferrite constituent of steel structure increases as the rail head surface is approached.

The main idea of this article is the justification of the necessity and the creation of conditions for attracting investments in economic entities of agrarian and agro-industrial production. The authors consider topical issues of increasing the investment attractiveness of industries and businesses in agro-industrial production of the subsidized region at the federal and regional levels. The authors note that ensuring the food security of the administrative district, the region and the country as a whole largely depends on the solution of this large-scale task. The forms, methods and mechanisms affecting the activation and inflow of investment and financial resources into agro-industrial production are exemplified by the subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District (in particular, the Chechen Republic). The subject of the study is the organizational-economic relations connected with increasing the investment attractiveness of the agrarian sector and agro-industrial production. The article gives authors’ definition of the economic category of the “investment attractiveness”. The results can be used by the government of agro-industrial production of subsidized subjects of Russia in the development and implementation of regional agricultural development programs and regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food, as well as social development of rural areas., peer-reviewed

The importance of a fuel and energy complex (FEC) of the Russian Federation (RF) for the economy together with volatility of the global energy market conjuncture updates the need to develop scientific approaches to improving the effectiveness of energy export policy. Key factors destructive to an energy balance in the context of the current state and development of the fuel and energy complex in Russia have been identified. Using the regression method, the article rationalizes the nature of dependence of Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) on energy balance indicators taking into account the factors of the current economic and geopolitical situation. Based on simulation modeling, values of a favorable ratio of exports to production and consumption of oil and gas that would contribute to an increase in the growth rates of Russia’s GDP have been calculated. A quantitative estimation of the GDP growth and the level of energy intensity reduction in the national economy have been presented, while observing favorable ratios of the exports to the production and consumption of oil and gas. A set of focus areas to increase the effectiveness of Russia’s energy export policy has been proposed.Keywords: Energy Export Policy, Energy Resources, Energy Exports, Energy Balance, Energy Intensity of the Economy, Export Potential, Oil, GasJEL Classifications: L520; O110; O470DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.7055

Using the methods of transmission electron microscopy, the carbide phase evolution in surface layers of the differentially quenched rails is studied after the passed tonnage of 691.8 million tons at the depth up to 10 mm along the central axis and fillet of rail head. The action of two mutual supplement mechanisms of steel carbide phase transformation in surface layers at rail operation is established: (1) cutting mechanism of cementite particles with the following departure in the volume of ferrite grains or plates (in pearlite structure); (2) cutting mechanism and following dissolution of cementite particles, transfer of carbon atoms on dislocations (in Cottrell atmospheres and dislocation cores), transfer of carbon atoms by moving dislocations into ferrite grains volume (or plates) with the following repeated formation of nanosized cementite particles. The first mechanism is accompanied by the change in linear sizes and morphology of carbide particles. Cementite element composition change is not essential. Carbide structure change can take place during the second mechanism.

By methods of optical, scanning and transmission electron diffraction microscopy and microhardness and tribology parameters measurement the changes regularities of structure-phase states, defect substructure of rails surface after the long term operation (passed tonnage of gross weight 500 and 1000 mln. tons) were established. It is shown that the wear rate increases in 3 and 3.4 times after passed tonnage of gross weight 500 and 1000 mln. tons, accordingly, and the friction coefficient decreases in 1.4 and 1.1 times. The cementite plates are destroying absolutely and cementite particles of around form with the sizes 10-50 nm are forming after passed tonnage 500 mln tons. The appearance of dynamical recrystallization initial stages is marked after the passed tonnage 1000 mln tons. It is shown that the operation of steel rails is accompanied by full fractures in surface layers with lamellar pearlite grains and the formation of ferrite–carbide mixtures with nanosized particles. The deformation of steel increases the densities of scalar and excess dislocations, the curvature–torsion values of the crystal lattice, and the amplitudes of internal stress fields. The possible mechanisms of established regularities are discussed. It is noted that two competitive processes can take place during rails long term operation: 1. Process of cutting of cementite particles followed by their carrying out into the volume of ferrite grains or plates (in the structure of pearlite). 2. Process of cutting, the subsequent dissolution of cementite particles, transition of carbon atoms to dislocations (into Cottrell atmospheres), transition of carbon atoms by dislocations into volume of ferrite grains or plates followed by repeat formation of nanosize cementite particles.

The object of the research is creep deformation proceeding in the conditions of electrostatic field effect. The purpose of the research is to develop the mathematical model of creep under the electrostatic field effect from the positions of representations about the wave nature of plastic deformation process. The theoretical studies of electrostatic field effect being characterized by small (up to ± 1V) potentials on the basis of mass, momentum and energy conservation in two-dimensional formulation were carried out in the process of research. The material being deformed was represented as two phase heterogeneous medium. The first component is excited and being responsible for structure transformation, the second one is unexcited and disconnected with them. For each of the components the laws of mass and momentum conservation were written. For electric fields the Maxwell equations were written. For the first time the two phase filtration model of creep was developed as a result of the research. The model takes into account the inhomogeneity of plastic deformation under electrostatic field effect. The dispersion relation for the waves of plasticity is obtained.

By methods of optical and transmission electron diffraction microscopy the evolution in structural phase states of surface layers head of differentially hardened rails of DT 350 category to the depth up to 10 mm along the central axis after the passed tonnage of 691.8 mln. t brutto was studied. The formation of gradient substructure being expressed in regular change in scalar and excess density of dislocations, curvature-torsion amplitude of steel crystal lattice, degree of deformation transformation of lamellar pearlite structure was defected. The failure mechanisms of cementite plates were considered.

Using methods of modern material science the structure-phase states and tribology properties of coating surfaced on martensite low carbon Hardox 450 steel by powder Fe-C-Ni-B wire and modified by following electron-beam treatment are studied. It is shown that electron-beam treatment of layer leads to the formation of multiphase state with the main phases: α-phase, iron boride FeB, boron carbide B4C. The surfaced structure formed by intensive electron beam irradiation is characterized by high value of wear resistance. It is in 20 times more that wear resistance of steel and in 11 times more than wear resistance of surfaced layer without of electron beam treatment, friction coefficient decreased in 3.5 and 2.2 times, correspondently.

In work using micromechanical test method it is determined that the magnetic field (0.6 T) reduces the mechanical properties of commercially pure titanium and their subsequent stabilization. The dependence of the microhardness on the time of the magnetic field treatment is established. We define a linear dependence of the microhardness on the processing time for the value of the induction of the magnetic field of 0.3 Tesla. Magnetic influence with the induction of 0.4 T is characterized by the exponential dependence of the microhardness on the processing time. Established threshold value holding time of 0.5 hour, below which the effect is observed irrespective of the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic induction. The hypothesis of a magnetic field on the mechanical properties of the surface layers of commercially pure titanium, which qualitatively explains the observed dependence.

The paper is devoted to the problem of the exhaustion of international companies' trademarks and other intellectual property objects rights in the foreign trade practices of Russia and other countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The paper focuses on the problems of trade integration through the intellectual property market, since any free movement of goods should always be correlated with respect for the interests of the trademark rights owners. The aim of this paper is to explore the process of parallel importing in the aspect of international companies trademarks intellectual property rights in the Russian Federation and EEU countries and the opportunities and challenges it provides for both manufacturers and importers. The problem of importing products labeled with trademarks through parallel import channels to Russia is being considered using the schemes for the importation of counterfeit goods into Russia through EEU countries. The analysis shows that there are the problems with the application of the mechanisms of trademarks customs protection in practice. The main problem is the lack of unified legislation for intellectual property protection in EEU members.

Structural phase states and tribological properties of the coating surfaced onto Hardox 450 martensite low-carbon steel with powder wire Fe‒C‒Cr‒Nb‒W and modified by subsequent electron-beam processing are studied by methods of modern physical material science. It is shown that irradiation of ~5 thick surfaced layer with high intensity pulsed electron beams results in the formation of ~20 μm thick surface layer with the master phases of α-Fe and NbC, Fe3C and M6C(Fe3W3C) carbides. The main difference of the surface layer modified with electron-beam processing from the unmodified volume of the surfacing is the morphology and dimensions of the second phase inclusions. In the modified layer of the surfacing the inclusions have smaller dimensions and are located in the form of interlayers along the grain boundaries. In unmodified surfacing the particles of the faceted shape located chaotically in the grain volume are the basic morphological type of the inclusions. It is noted that the small value of crystal lattice Nb parameter observed in the experiment may be caused by the high level of vacant interstitial sites having the smaller size in comparison with the occupied interstitial sites. It is established that wear resistance of the surfaced layer after electron-beam processing increases more than 70-fold relative to wear resistance of Hardox 450 steel and friction coefficient decreases significantly (~3-fold).

The composite coatings consisting of immiscible components of TiB 2 -Cu and Mo-Cu systems are formed by method of electro-explosion spraying. The structure of coatings is studied by method of transmission electron microscopy. It is established that the coatings are the particles of titanium, tungsten or molybdenum diboride in copper matrix. The coatings range in thickness from 90 to 100 µm.

The phase composition of the surface layer of AlSi10Cu2Ni and AlSi5Cu2 silumins after electron beam processing has been studied by the methods of X-ray phase analysis in the research. It has been detected that in the initial state the main phases of AlSi10Cu2Ni silumin under study is a solid solution based on aluminium, silicon and intermetallides, ones of which are Fe2Al9Si2 and Cu9Al4 phases. The X-ray phase analysis of AlSi5Cu2 silumin samples irradiated by the pulsed electron beam has shown that the main phases of the alloy are also a solid solution based on aluminium, silicon and intermetallides, and Fe2Al9Si2 phase is present. The analysis of aluminium diffraction maximums has shown that they are splitted. This permits one to speak about the existence of two solid solutions based on aluminium being different in crystal lattice parameters and, consequently, the concentration of alloying elements. The first type— solid solution based on aluminium with a larger parameter of crystal lattice Al1; the second type—with a smaller parameter of crystal lattice Al2. The alloys’ irradiation by pulsed electron beam is accompanied by the change in crystal lattice parameter of AlSi10Cu2Ni (solid solution based on aluminium) and AlSi5Cu2 (phases Al1 and Al2). Probably, the reason of the change in crystal lattice parameter in AlSi10Cu2Ni and AlSi5Cu2 alloys is the variation in alloying elements concentration in solid solution of the phases.

The regularities and mechanisms of formation of structural phase states and properties of differentially quenched 100-meter rails of DT350 category after the passed tonnage of 1411 mln tons were revealed by the methods of modern physical materials science. The formation of highly defective surface layer with nanodimensional grain-subgrain structure (40–50 nm) of pearlite colonies and submicrocrystalline (150–250 nm) structure of grains of structurally-free ferrite was detected. The changes in hardness, microhardness, crystal lattice parameter, level of microdistortions, scalar and excess dislocation density in cross-section of rail head were analyzed. The possible mechanisms of cementite plate transformations in extremely long service of rails were discussed.

The perspective materials for a wide spectrum of work-pieces being used in all fields of industry are the cast aluminium alloys of Al-Si. However, the alloys have some disadvantages, that's why the techniques of alloy surface processing by energy fluxes to impart the new physico-mechanical properties are studied. In our research the technique of irradiation of Al–5 wt % Si–2 wt % Cu alloy surface by pulsed electron beam is considered. As a result of studies it was established that after electron beam processing at energy density of electron beam of 10 J/cm2 the wear resistance of the alloy increased by 29% at pulse duration of 50 µs and by 32% at pulsed duration of 200 µs. It was also determined that due to high-rate heating of the surface as a result of electron beam irradiation a structure of high-rate crystallization of dendritic-cellular type is formed in the alloy bulk adjacent to a silicon plate. The results of the investigations into fine structure of Al–5 wt % Si–2 wt % Cu alloy make it possible to suggest that nanodimensional structure being developed will be an obstacle for crack distribution changing the kinetics of silicon plate fracture and, thereby, decreasing in the level of sample's abrasive wear.

In the present research a novel method of increasing in mechanical characteristics (wear resistance, friction coefficient, Young's modulus and nanohardness) of titanium implants is proposed. A complex processing was used including electroexplosion spraying of hafnium coating and subsequent electron-beam processing combined with nitriding. Electroexplosion spraying was carried out in the modes ensuring the formation of microrelief on the boundary with titanium substrate. Electron beam processing of hafnium coating surface allowed its smooth surface to be provided and the coating to be nanostructurized. Smooth surface makes the coating a more commercially profitable for selling the medical products and nanostructurization ensures a high level of mechanical and biolodical properties. The obtained coating of Ti-Hf-N system contributes to the increase in wear resistance by the factor of 17.4 and simultaneous increase in friction coefficient by 7%. The coating also ensures the increase in nanohardness by the factor of 2.05 and the increase in the Young modulus by 13% in comparison with Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Nitriding allowed the strengthening of hafnium coating by nitrides. In the coating 40–50 μm in thickness hafnium is distributed homogeneously and is presented in the phases of HfN, Hf and HfTiN2. The comparison of the phases being formed in the coating and the structural components of coatings' surface depending on processing mode is made. After combined processing the surface of the coating is presented by three different structural components. The proliferative activity of fibroblasts and antimicrobial activity were studied as biological properties of the coating in the present research. The structure of the coating is studied by the methods of modern physical materials science. The complex analysis carried out enables one to recommend the coating for subsequent tests on experimental animals (rabbits) and further commercial production of strengthened titanium implants. To study osteointegration the samples of the experimental implants with bioinert coatings obtained in the present research are to be introduced into rabbits' osseous tissue in future.

The regularities of changes in structure-phase states and defect substructure of rails surface layers up to 10 mm along the central axis and fillet following the long-term operation (passed tonnage 500 and 1000 millions of tons brutto) are determined by methods of optical, scanning, transmission electron diffraction microscopy and by measuring microhardness and tribological parameters. It is shown that wear rate along the central axis increased by 3 and 3.4 times at passed tonnage 500 and 1000 millions of tons, respectively, and friction factor decreased by 1.4 and 1.1 times. Three layers are isolated and analyzed: surface, transition and main volume of metal by the fracture behaviour and level of imperfection. The cementite plates destruct completely and cementite particles of round shape and 10–50 nm in size form after 500 millions of tons of passed tonnage. The starting stage of dynamic recrystallization is noticed to proceed after 1000 millions of tons. The possible reasons of the observed regularities are discussed. It is noticed that two competitive processes may proceed at rails operation. The first (1) one is process of cementite particle cutting followed by their carrying to volume of ferrite grains or plates (in pearlite structure). The second (2) one is process of cutting, subsequent dissolution of cementite particles, transition of C atoms on dislocations (Cottrell atmospheres), C atoms transfer by dislocations into volume of grains (or plates) of ferrite followed by the formation of cementite nanosized particles. Steel deformation transformation results in increase in scalar and excess dislocation density, curvature-torsion value of crystal lattice and amplitude of internal stress fields. The elements of structure capable of being stress concentrators are detected. Qualitative analysis of rails hardening mechanisms at different distance from tread surface along the central axis and along fillet after long-term operation is done. It is shown that hardening had a multi-factor character and was caused by substructure hardening and brought about by the formation of nanosized fragments; dispersion hardening of carbide phase particles; hardening caused by formation of Cottrell and Suzuki atmospheres on dislocations; internal stress fields being formed by inner- and inter-phase boundaries.

By methods of modern physical materials science the investigations analysis of phase composition, defect substructure, mechanical and tribological properties of Cr–Nb–C–V containing coatings formed in surfacing on martensitic wear resistant steel Hardox 450 were carried out. It was shown that surfacing resulted in the formation of high strength surface layer 6 mm in thinness. This layer had wear resistance 138 times greater than that of the base and friction coefficient 2.5 times less. On the basis of the investigations by methods of X-ray structural analysis and transmission diffraction electron microscopy it was shown that increase strength and tribological properties of surfacing metal were caused by its phase composition and state of defect substructure, namely, availability of interstitial phases (more than 36%) and martensitic type of α-phase structure.

By optic and transmission electron microscopy, the regularities of the transformation of structural-phase states, the defective substructure of the rail surface layer to the depth of 10 mm under long-term operation (passed gross tonnage 500 and 1000 mln ton) are determined. In the initial state the structure is presented by perlite grains with predominantly lamellar morphology, grains of a ferrite-carbide mixture and structurally free ferrite grains. It is shown that operation of rail steel is accompanied by a complete failure of lamellar pearlite grains in the 15 μm thick surface layer and the formation of a ferrite-carbide mixture with nano-size particles. The strain-induced transformation of steel leads to the increase in the scalar and excessive density of dislocations, the curvature-torsion value of the crystal lattice and the amplitude of internal stress fields.

The purpose of the research was to form a Ti-Ta-N- system bioinert coating on Ti6Al4V alloy surface as well as to study its structure and properties. The main contribution of the research is in the following. Electro-explosion spraying of tantalum coating on VT6 titanium alloy surface was pioneered in the research. After that the processing of the coating by low-energy high-current electron beam and subsequent nitriding was carried out in a single technological cycle. It has been established that a nanocrystalline coating based on tantalum, nitrogen and titanium was formed as a result of the technological operations. The phase composition of the coatings has been detected. The variations in crystal lattice parameters being formed in coating of phases and coherent scallering regions of these phases depending on power density of electron beam have been determined. Structural characteristics of the coatings at nano- and microlevel have been detected. Tests of coatings for nanohardness, the Young modulus, wear resistance and friction factor have been carried out. By all technical characteristics Ti-Ta-N-system coating exceeds titanium of VT6 grade. The cause of the increase in mechanical characteristics of the Ti-Ta-N-system coating is their nanostructural state and strengthening phases. Tests for proliferation activity of fibroplasts and antimicrobial activity have shown better results in comparison with VT6 titanium alloy as well. It is due to escape of vanadium ions from VT6 alloy into nutrient cell medium and their destructive effect on cell cultures. Variations in proliferation and antimicrobial activity develop due to amplification of cell proliferation. A complex of the obtained characteristics makes it possible to recommend Ti-Ta-N-system coating for its application as a bioinert coating on different implants in furure.

Long-term operation of rails is accompanied by the formation of the gradient structural constituents consisting in the regular change in relative content of lamellar pearlite, fractured pearlite and structure of ferrite-carbide mixture in cross-selection of rail head. As the distance to the surface of railsincreases the relative content of metal volume with the structure of lamellar pearlite decreases and that with the structure of fractured pearlite and ferrite-carbide mixture increases. The ferrite-carbide mixture structure has a nanodimentional range of grains, subgrains and particles of the carbide phase forming it.