Laser shock peening apparatuses and methods
AssigneePurdue Research Foundation
InventorsGary J. Cheng, Yiliang Liao, Yingling Yang, Chang Ye
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for processing materials to enhancing the material's surface strength, improving the material's cyclic and thermal stability of microstructures, and extend the material's fatigue performance. Embodiments include laser shock peening at material temperatures that are moderately elevated (from the material's perspective) above room temperature. Alternate embodiments include laser shock peening at very cold (cryogenic) material temperatures. Still further embodiments include laser shock peening while covering the surface of the material being processed with an active agent that interacts with the laser energy and enhances the pressure exerted on the surface.
Claims21
A method for hardening a material, comprising:
- selecting a desired temperature to maximize a density of nanoprecipitation in a material, wherein the desired temperature is less than a recrystallization temperature of the material and greater than room temperature;
- heating, using a heater, the material to the desired temperature, wherein the desired temperature is at least 20 deg. C. and at most 400 deg. C., and maintaining the desired temperature, using the heater;
- emitting a pulse of laser energy toward the material, the material being maintained at the desired temperature, the pulse having a duration of less than 100 nanoseconds;
- generating a plasma with the laser;
- confining the plasma with a confining material, wherein the confining material includes fused quartz or silicone oil, and wherein expansion of the confined plasma generates a shock wave proximate the surface of the material;
- deforming a surface of the material as a result of the shockwave;
- and
- generating nanoprecipitates internal to said material by said deforming at the desired temperature;
- wherein the heater is distinct from the source of the pulse of laser energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.