Surface Micro patterning of Aluminium Reinforced Composite for Aerospace Applications through High Energy Pulse Laser Peening

Abstract

Aluminium (Al) Composites have universal engineering applications because of their higher strength to weight ratio, ductility, and formability. However, in diverse applications, mechanical properties such as hardness, corrosion, wear, and fatigue resistance are the prerequisite at closer surface regions. Such localised changes without impacting various surface treatment approaches can attempt the bulk phase. Laser shock peening is an advanced surface engineering technique, which has been successfully applied to improve the surface morphology and microstructure of the material. In this work, we are focusing on improving the surface properties of Al7075 reinforced with SiC and Zirconia through laser peening technique. The hardened layer was evaluated using surface integrity with optical microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analysis of microhardness. Process parameters and resulting microstructures of Aluminium composite are summarised, along with the impact of laser peening on surface properties. Research results indicated that laser peening shows a significant influence on the final condition of the surface layer of Aluminium composite.