Sensitivity analyses of finite element parameters of laser shock peening for improving fatigue life of metalic components

Abstract

Laser shock peening(LSP) is an innovative surface treatment technique, and it has been successfully used to improve the fatigue performance of metallic components. It is widely known, that cracks caused by metal fatigue occur only at the location where the metal is subject to tension, and not at the location where the metal is subjected to compression. Therefore, LSP can be employed to improve fatigue life because it generates a high-magnitude compressive residual stress on the surface and interior of metallic components. In this study, we analyzed the applicability of the LSP method in improving fatigue performance and evaluated the various parameters that influence the compressive residual stress. Further, we analyzed the change in the mechanical properties such as surface dynamic stress and the compressive residual stress on the surface and interior of metallic components. © 2010 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.