FEM simulation of residual stresses induced by laser shock with overlapping laser spots

The finite element method is presented to attain the numerical simulation of the residual stresses field in the material treated by laser shock processing. The distribution of residual stresses generated by a single laser shock with square and round laser spot is predicted and validated by experimental results. With the Finite Element Method (FEM) model, effects of different overlapping rates and impact sequences on the distribution of residual stresses are simulated. The results indicate that: (1) Overlapping laser shock can increase the compressive residual stresses. However, it is not effective on the growth of plastically affected depth; (2) Overlapping rate should be optimized and selected carefully for the large area treatment. Appropriate overlapping rate is beneficial to obtain a homogeneous residual stress field; (3) The impact sequence has a great effect on the residual stress field. It can greatly attenuate the phenomenon of the "residual stress hole" to obtain a homogeneous residual stress field.