An Overview on Laser Shock Peening Process: From Science to Industrial Applications

The surface of material plays an important role in the behavior of engineered components. Surfaces are subjected to treatments to enhance the material performance by modifying and controlling its physical and chemical properties. Modification of mechanical properties affects the wear and corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, and, therefore, the component's service lifetime. In this scenario, peening processes are employed in different industrial sectors. The term "peening" originates from the act of hitting a metallic surface with the ballpeen end of a hammer. In history, blacksmiths have used this procedure to forge weapons and tools. In modern industry, the technique has evolved to shoot metal or ceramic particles on the metal surface. In advanced manufacturing, photonics has found its niche in peening processes via laser technology, the so-called Laser Shock Peening (LSP). It utilizes high-energy laser pulses to create high-intensity shock waves able to plastically deform the materials and impose compressive residual stresses. In this tutorial session, LSP will be addressed through its basic phenomena, laser system setup, main LSP system suppliers, types of methods, advantages, disadvantages, treated materials, control of materials properties, and the current and potential industrial applications.