The Definition And Process Of Peening

By Douglas Thompson


by definition, this term refers to the process through which metal surfaces are worked to improve the properties of the material. Three major ways exist for achieving the results. The first method is mechanical in nature and involves using hammer blows. The second method involves using shots to blast the surface. The third method involves using a series of light beams through which the material is passed. Germany was the first country to engage in peening in the 90s with the intention of increasing resistance to fatigue of metal.

The automotive industry was the first one to adopt this technology and was quickly followed by aircraft industry. Engineering literature avoided it until in the middle of nineties when it finally adopted it. With full acceptance it was used in a lot of projects. The invention of super constellation aircraft is the biggest project where it has been used. It underwent further innovation in the late nineties with the invention of laser shock version of the process.

The shot version of the process also referred to as cold working was used to produce compressive residual stress layer. It also modifies the mechanical properties of metals and composites. It involves impacting a metal surface with a shot which are basically particles made of either round metals, glass or ceramic. The impact is done with force enough to create a deformation that is plastic in nature.

Cold working is used in many industries, which includes construction, aircraft, and automotive. Its function is to eliminate stress in components like crankshafts and steel automobiles and also to make them stronger. In construction, it is used to offer a muted finish on metal. This process is similar to sandblasting, except that instead of operating on the mechanism of abrasion, it operates on the mechanism of plasticity.

Laser version was a major breakthrough in technology. Desired property on the metal is achieved through dynamic mechanical effect caused by imparted shock waves. High energy lasers and transparent overlay are the two components used to give a metal the desired properties. A better result is achieved if the overlay is both opaque to laser beams and thin. Detrimental thermal effects which could damage targeted surface are contained by the opaque overlay.

The overlay also provides a consistent surface for the laser beam to interact with the material of the target surface. It increases the magnitude of the shock entering the target this reduces the cost in general. The process utilizes computer control unlike cold working. This enables it produce practical results in matters pertaining to technologies, direct measuring among others. This also enables the process to be closely monitored in order to achieve the best results.

The use of laser also allows for more textures to be produced than in cold working. The working of the laser version of this method involves the generation of shockwave within the work piece. The shock wave in turn leads to the creation if tensile and compressive residual stress in the work piece. The equilibrium state of the material is maintained by this stress. The surface layer is hardened by the shock wave as it fades into the material.

The new invention is this field is still used to achieve the same purpose except for a few modifications. New modifications include selective shaping of a metal surface using laser beams. Compressive residual stress forces metal to be flexible in selected parts. Controlled flexibility makes it easier to shape the metal into all desired shapes.




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