Effect of pulsating water jet disintegration on hardness and elasticity modulus of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L

The presented article is focused on the evaluation of mechanical properties of stainless steel disintegrated using an ultrasonically modulated pulsating water jet. The experimental procedure was performed using a nozzle with a circular orifice with an equivalent diameter of 1.6 mm. The mechanical properties evaluation was based on indentation elasticity modulus Ep and nano hardness H, which were measured using nanoindentation technique. Influence of ultrasonic power and plunger pressure change on disintegrated material was evaluated. Changes in mechanical properties in dependence on distance from the disintegrated surface were evaluated. Elasticity modulus and nano hardness change were observed below and on the sides of the disintegrated surfaces. Measurements were performed until the distance of 930 μm. The indentation was carried in three series of 10 indents with 100 μm spacing located below the affected area, next to the affected area and in the unaffected material. Results of experimental testing show changes of nano hardness (generally an appreciable decrease) and elasticity modulus (limited increase) of material under and to the side of the newly created surface.