Finite element analysis and comparison of laser shock peening and shot peening processes

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to give a simple and accurate tool for prediction and comparison of residual stresses in laser shock peened and shot peen treated materials.Design/methodology/approachThis work applies finite element code ABAQUS in order to compare the residual stress state and plastic deformation in specimens in aluminium alloy 7050‐T7451, treated with shot peening (SP) and laser shock peening (LSP) processes. Both processes are simulated using the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of the material in question, and the processes are modelled using same input parameters (pressure on the surface of the specimen and the duration of contact between the material and the peening medium).FindingsBy using the same approach in both the analyses, a sound comparison of two technologies can be made, by comparing the obtained residual stress profiles. In addition, surface pressure and contact time can be varied easily in a parametric analysis, allowing the calibration of the numerical results.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to simplicity of used numerical models, different process parameters relative to SP process have not been taken in consideration directly, but through their effect on pressure on the surface of the specimen and the duration of contact between the material and the peening medium.Originality/valueApplication of HEL material model, usually applied to LSP problems, to the analysis of SP process gives promising results, in spite of simplicity of used numerical model.