ANALYSIS OF PLASMA FORMATION CONDITIONS IN AN ELECTROLYTE JET DURING ANODE SURFACE TREAT-MENT IN THE RANGE OF 20-500 V

This article discusses the effect of electrolyte-plasma discharge voltage in the voltage range from 20-500 V on the formation of plasma in a free-falling jet and a jet under pressure directed to the surface of a metal anode. It is shown that during jet processing in the discharge voltage range from 20-500 V, many factors affect the formation of the plasma region. It is shown that during jet processing, the volt-ampere characteristic differs significantly in shape from the characteristic in the electrolytic bath. It is revealed that the main parameters affecting the formation of plasma in the jet are the discharge voltage and temperature. In turn, the process temperature largely depends on the volumetric flow rate of the electrolyte entering the interelectrode gap. When the electrolyte temperature in the interelectrode gap reaches 34 - 40 º C, the process of transition from the electrochemical effect on the surface to a combined one with a strong influence of electrolyte plasma is formed. It is shown that the change of processes in the electrolytic jet under the influence of voltage leads to a change in the surface morphology and a decrease in the roughness parameter Ra. An increase in the discharge power, loss of anode material, and an increase in temperature are shown in the entire range of voltages. The results of these studies can be applied to dimensional and finishing surface treatment of stainless steels and alloys.