MODIFICATION OF SURFACE LAYERS OF COPPER UNDER THE ACTION OF THE VOLUMETRIC DISCHARGE INITIATED BY AN AVALANCHE ELECTRON BEAM IN NITROGEN AND CO2 AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

The results of experimental investigations of the action of the volumetric discharge initiated by an avalanche electron beam on the surface of copper specimens are presented. The volumetric (diffuse) discharge in nitrogen and CO2 at atmospheric pressure was initiated by applying high voltage pulses of nanosecond duration to a tubular foil cathode. It has been found that the treatment of a copper surface by this type of discharge increases the hardness of the surface layer due to oxidation.