Evolution of Microstructure and Properties of 2196 Al-Li Alloy Induced by Shot Peening

Shot peening is a surface impact treatment widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries to improve the performance of metal parts. In this study, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 2196 Al-Li alloy were investigated after shot peening. The surface state was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The residual stresses induced by shot peening were measured by means of X-ray diffraction, further to reveal the relationship between the distributions of residual stresses and shot peening process parameters. The mechanical behavior of the surface layer was investigated through microhardness test. The microstructure after shot peening was investigated with optical microscope.