Coupled Modeling Approach for Laser Shock Peening of AA2198-T3: From Plasma and Shock Wave Simulation to Residual Stress Prediction

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a surface modification technique to improve the mechanical properties of metals and alloys, where physical phenomena are difficult to investigate, due to short time scales and extreme physical values. In this regard, simulations can significantly contribute to understand the underlying physics. In this paper, a coupled simulation approach for LSP is presented. A global model of laser–matter–plasma interaction is applied to determine the plasma pressure, which is used as surface loading in finite element (FE) simulations in order to predict residual stress (RS) profiles in the target material. The coupled model is applied to the LSP of AA2198-T3 with water confinement, 3×3mm2 square focus and 20 ns laser pulse duration. This investigation considers the variation in laser pulse energy (3 J and 5 J) and different protective coatings (none, aluminum and steel foil). A sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the impact of parameter inaccuracies of the global model on the resulting RS. Adjustment of the global model to different laser pulse energies and coating materials allows us to compute the temporal pressure distributions to predict RS with FE simulations, which are in good agreement with the measurements.

Post-Processing Techniques to Enhance the Quality of Metallic Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes can produce three-dimensional (3D) near-net-shape parts based on computer-aided design (CAD) models. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes, AM processes can generate parts with intricate geometries, operational flexibility and reduced manufacturing time, thus saving time and money. On the other hand, AM processes face complex issues, including poor surface finish, unwanted microstructure phases, defects, wear tracks, reduced corrosion resistance and reduced fatigue life. These problems prevent AM parts from real-time operational applications. Post-processing techniques, including laser shock peening, laser polishing, conventional machining methods and thermal processes, are usually applied to resolve these issues. These processes have proved their capability to enhance the surface characteristics and physical and mechanical properties. In this study, various post-processing techniques and their implementations have been compiled. The effect of post-processing techniques on additively manufactured parts has been discussed. It was found that laser shock peening (LSP) can cause severe strain rate generation, especially in thinner components. LSP can control the surface regularities and local grain refinement, thus elevating the hardness value. Laser polishing (LP) can reduce surface roughness up to 95% and increase hardness, collectively, compared to the as-built parts. Conventional machining processes enhance surface quality; however, their influence on hardness has not been proved yet. Thermal post-processing techniques are applied to eliminate porosity up to 99.99%, increase corrosion resistance, and finally, the mechanical properties’ elevation. For future perspectives, to prescribe a particular post-processing technique for specific defects, standardization is necessary. This study provides a detailed overview of the post-processing techniques applied to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of AM-ed parts. A particular method can be chosen based on one’s requirements.

Laser Shock Peening of Ti6Al4V Alloy with Combined Nanosecond and Femtosecond Laser Pulses

Laser shock peening (LSP) with nanosecond or femtosecond laser pulses is applied to improve the mechanical properties of metallic materials. Thus, it is necessary to compare the effects of different processing methods on microstructure changes and property improvement. In this study, nanosecond LSP (NLSP), femtosecond LSP (FLSP), and LSP with combined nanosecond and femtosecond laser pulses (F-NLSP) are conducted on Ti6Al4V alloys to compare the surface morphologies, in-depth microstructures, and nanohardness changes. In FLSP, the peened surface is smooth, and the affected depth is limited near the peened surface. NLSPed and F-NLSPed samples present rough surfaces due to the severe ablation process. Small equiaxed grains with no preferred grain orientation are denser in F-NLSPed samples than that in NLSPed samples. Compared with NLSPed samples, the affected depth and amplitude of in-depth nanohardness are larger in F-NLSPed samples. This is attributed to the increased laser absorption of incident laser on the treated surface by femtosecond laser pulses. The results in this study show the effects of different LSP methods and provide chances in engineering potentials for material property improvements.

The Evolution of Micromechanical Properties for Zr-Based Metallic Glass Induced by Laser Shock Peening

The micromechanical properties of Zr-based metallic glass (MG) induced by laser shock peening (LSP) were studied through the use of nanoindentation. The serrations in representative load-displacement (P-h) curves exhibited a transformation from stairstep-like to ripple-shaped from untreated zone to shock region, which implied an increase in plastic deformation ability of material after LSP. Significant hardening was also observed in the impact zone, which can be attributed to the effect of compressive residual stress. Both increase in hardness and plastic deformation ability in shock region indicate the excellent effect of LSP on the micromechanical properties of investigated Zr-based MG, which provide a new way to study the deformation mechanism in metallic glasses and a further understanding of plasticization.