Rapid Laser Shock Peening Development

A major obstacle to expanding the use of laser shock peening is the slow rate of production. This is a physical obstacle when production rates must be met to maintain continuity with the rest of the manufacturing cycle for a given part. It is also a cost obstacle, in that higher production rates translate into lower costs per part. The proposed program will demonstrate two concepts to increase the production rate of laser shock peening by almost an order of magnitude. It integrates the application and removal of the overlay system completely into the on-line laser shock peening sequence, minimizing delays during processing and utilizing the full capacity of the laser repetition rate. With this concept, a part would be inserted into the laser workstation and processed continuously, with the laser firing at its qualified rate until the part is completed. There will be no special pre-peening preparation or post-peening preparation associated with the overlay system. This program will also demonstrate a concept to cover larger areas more efficiently in less time and fewer laser shots. This will also contribute directly to increased productivity.