20140290808 | Remediation of Sensitization in Metals - An ultrasonic impact treatment method for remediating metal sensitization including introducing ultrasound compression wave energy through ultrasonic mechanical impulse impacts into an area of sensitized metal in a workpiece. The ultrasound compression wave energy and impulse impacts impart compressive residual stress to the workpiece thereby decreasing tensile stresses in the sensitized metal and modifying the grain structure of the workpiece. These changes to the structure of the workpiece combine to slow the rate of enrichment of alloying elements at grain boundaries within the area of sensitized metal, cause intergranular diffusion of alloying elements in the area of sensitized metal, return a portion of alloying elements in the area of sensitized metal to solution and reduce or eliminate substantially straight intergranular paths through the workpiece. | 10-02-2014 |