Preliminary tests on additive-manufactured Al-Sc specimens for the setup of a numerical model for Laser Shock Peening

Abstract Aluminum-Scandium alloys offer a great potential in aerospace applications due their high corrosion resistance and improved strength properties. Furthermore, these alloys have been qualified for laser additive manufacturing (AM), producing parts with static strengths rivalling their conventionally manufactured counterparts. However, laser processing also results in large residual stresses that can severely affect fatigue properties and result in geometric distortion. A proven method for reducing the fatigue-related problems in metallic structures is to drive compressive residual stresses into the affected area by means of Laser Shock Peening (LSP). This surface treatment is very effective in bulk structures, improving life performances of fatigue-sensitive aeronautical components, such as jet engines turbine blades or helicopter gearboxes. On the other hand, quite a limited number of studies has been presented on the effect of LSP on fatigue crack growth in thin components and laser AM structures. This work presents first the results of preliminary tensile tests on additive manufactured Al-Sc specimens. The tensile strengths of as-built and heat-treated samples are compared. Then, a reliable and computationally time-effective numerical model of laser peening is reviewed, referring to case studies investigated earlier. In view of applying LSP to additive manufactured Al-Sc components, the effects of different laser parameters and geometries are discussed. Finally, the possible drawbacks of the LSP treatment are addressed, in order to exploit its full potential in increasing the fatigue life of AM components.