Lifetime Enhancement of Aerospace Components Using a Dual Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation Process

Hydraulic pumps are used to control the landing wheels of aircrafts, and their proper operation is vital to plane safety. It is well known that adhesive wear failure is a major cause of pump failure. A dual nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation process calling for the implantation of nitrogen at two different energies and doses has been developed to enhance the surface properties of the disks in the pumps. The procedures meet the strict temperature requirement of ＜200℃, and after the treatment, the working lifetime of the pumps increases by more than a factor of two. This experimental protocol has been adopted by the hydraulic pump factory as a standard manufacturing procedure.