EXPERIMENTAL SETUP OF SURFACE MECHANICAL ATTRITION TREATMENT (SMAT) AND STUDY OF THE TREATED SPECIMEN

Abstract: The most effective way to alter the structural properties of a material is by surface engineering. The commonly known surface treatments; such as, Nitriding, Carburizing; are expensive, but Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) is a much cheaper alternative. In this paper the basic concepts of SMAT is put forth and also the effects of the treatment on mechanical properties of the material is also discussed. It was found that the hardness of the treated specimen had doubled and there was also phase transformation from γ-austenite to α-martensite The potential applications of SMAT process is also listed.

Keywords: Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT), Nanocrystalization, Micro-indentation, Phase Transformation