Model based optimization criteria for the generation of deep compressive residual stress fields in high elastic limit metallic alloys by ns-laser shock processing

Laser Shock Processing (LSP) is based on the application of a high intensity pulsed Laser beam (I > 1 GW/cm²; τ < 50 ns) on a metallic target forcing a sudden vaporization of its surface into a high temperature and density plasma that immediately develops inducing a shock wave propagating into the material.The main acknowledged advantages of LSP consist on its capability of inducing a relatively deep compression residual stresses field into metallic alloy pieces allowing an improved mechanical behavior, explicitly, the life improvement of the treated specimens against wear, crack growth and stress corrosion cracking. Due to these specific advantages, Laser Shock Processing is considered as a competitive alternative technology to classical treatments for improving fatigue, corrosion cracking and wear resistance of metallic materials, and is being developed as a practical process amenable to production technology.In this paper, a model based systematization of process optimization criteria and a practical assessment on the real possibilities of the technique is presented along with practical results at laboratory scale on the application of LSP to characteristic high elastic limit metallic alloys, showing the induced residual stresses fields and the corresponding results on mechanical properties improvement induced by the treatment. The homogeneity of the residual stress fields distribution following the laser treatment spatial density will be specially analyzed.