Feasibility study of high-repetition rate laser shock peening of biodegradable magnesium alloys

Abstract

Recently, a number of magnesium-based alloys have been identified as a potential biodegradable material for implants. The challenge in the application of medical alloys is that these medical alloys corrode within human body much faster than duration of broken bones conglutination. In this regards, laser shock peening by increasing compressive residual stress upon biodegradable metallic implant surface had been proposed as a capable method for corrosion reduction. Laser shock peening is currently performed by high-power low-repetition rate lasers. Its high cost for applying on low-priced and light mechanical strength specimen is the main restrictions for its performance. This research is an attempt to theoretically ascertain the feasibility of laser shock peening (LSP) by high-repetition rate pulsed laser. Lower cost, faster processing speed, and accumulation of compressive residual stress closer to the surface by high repetition rate laser, combined with better corrosion control are the primary motivators for evaluation of the possibility of high repetition laser shock peening.