Development and Research of Electric Pulse Force Intensification Technology to Improve the Reliability and Cyclic Durability of Materials

Reduced service life of components, units, and assemblies operating under extreme conditions, characterized by high cyclically varying stresses, remains a significant issue. The present work addresses this problem by enhancing the reliability and cyclic durability of materials through electric pulse force intensification. As a result of the study, appropriate equipment for electric pulse force intensification was selected. A technology for electric pulse force intensification was developed, and process parameters such as current strength, current density, and pulse duration were optimized. Using statistical analysis of experimental data, 3D models were created, and empirical mathematical equations were derived to describe the influence of key process parameters on the cyclic durability of materials. The geometric parameters of cracks were examined during cyclic durability tests under bending with low-cycle loading, both before and after electric pulse activation. Using SEM, we studied the material structure in the crack region, revealing that pulsed electric current enhances cyclic life by “partial healing” of structural defects. Statistical modeling produced empirical equations expressing the relationships between various characteristics. The mechanism of defect partial healing in materials subjected to electric pulses was described, and the impact of electric pulse activation on samples was evaluated. This demonstrated the potential to fully restore a component’s service life after cyclic loading at 80% of its ultimate limit.