Water attenuation enhances tribological damage resistance in laser peened steel

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of Laser Shock Peening (LSP) on wear characteristics of armor steel is investigated to mitigate the material degradation in tank barrels and prolong their service life. Tank barrels are exposed to enormous temperatures and pressures during rapid firing rounds, which invoke the material's failure and calls for a barrel replacement and the reinvestment of millions of dollars. LSP performed at different pulse energies (i.e., 450 mJ, 350 mJ, and 250 mJ) with varying attenuating media such as air, water, and silicone oil, have resulted in high wear resistance and superior mechanical properties compared to that of armor steel. Water attenuation with a pulse energy of 450 mJ has resulted in surface hardness of ∼495 ± 3 HV, compressive residual stresses of ∼319 ± 2 MPa, and exhibited minimum wear rate of ∼2.61 × 10-8 ± 0.04 × 10-8 mm3/N.m, capable of limiting wear and erosion problems, thereby enhancing the service life of tank barrels.