Using a wide-aperture argon ion beam to finish the outer surfaces of tubular samples

The effect ion-beam treatment with a wide-aperture beam of argon ions has on the outer surfaces of tubular samples is investigated. Samples are treated on the specialized KVK-10 installation. Experiments are performed for tubes 500 mm in length (Ø9.15 mm; wall thickness, 0.65 mm) made of E110 zirconium alloy that are used in the nuclear power industry as the shells of fuel elements. Analysis of the samples shows that surfaces can cleaned and polished via ion-beam treatment, and roughness R _a can be reduced from 2.0 ± 0.5 μm to 0.6 ± 0.1 μm.