The Potential of EB Surface Processing within the Aero-space Industry

The ability to control the structure of a surface offers benefits in a wide range of aerospace applications.A novel EB (Electron Beam) materials processing technology developed at TWI,Surfi-Sculpt,addresses this need by using an electron beam to generate precisely defined textured surfaces.Surfi-Sculpt offers improved mechanical keying with adjoining parts and consequently has generated interest as a preparation technique for surface coatings and for the joining of composite to metal.It has the potential to create customised aerodynamically and hydrodynamically enhanced surfaces and appears suitable for the manufacture of novel bearing and seal surfaces.The Surfi-Sculpt process has also showed promise in increasing the efficiency of heat exchange surfaces.This paper describes the background of the Surfi-Sculpt process and showcases a range of surfaces that have been produced with the technique.The results of a range of feasibility studies are presented to demonstrate the potential of the technology within the aerospace industry