Microstructure evolution occurring in the modified surface of 316L stainless steel under high current pulsed electron beam treatment

High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) surface treatment of 316L stainless steel (SS) was carried out with a wide spectrum of treating parameters. Microstructure changes occurring in the modified surface were characterized with microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and electron backscatter diffractometry (EBSD) techniques. The evolution regularities of surface craters and microstructure refinement, as well as preferred orientation of (1 1 1) crystal planes were discussed on considering the coupled temperature-stress fields formed in surface layers after an absorption of HCPEB energy.