The effects of electropulsing on metallic materials

The influence of electropulsing on metallic materials is reviewed, with a focus on phase transformations and grain refinement. While a large and growing body of literature exists on the topic of electropulsing, the mechanisms governing the process are not currently fully understood. Furthermore, the effects of electropulsing on microstructure and mechanical properties are not yet clearly defined. This review seeks to summarise the existing literature in order to highlight and understand research trends across a variety of metals and alloys, and to clarify the state of the art. Research has shown that the electropulsing process is capable of inducing low temperature recrystallisation in metallic materials at an accelerated rate compared to more traditional heat treatment methods. These microstructural changes often alter the mechanical properties of the materials such as ductility, tensile strength and hardness. Crack healing as a result of electropulsing treatment has also been observed in damaged or work hardened materials and pre-deformation of the sample has been shown to enhance the effects of electropulsing.