Pre-loading of components during laser peenforming
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsLloyd A. Hackel, John M. Halpin, Fritz B. Harris
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for forming shapes and contours in metal sections by prestressing a workpiece and generating laser induced compressive stress on the surface of the metal workpiece. The step of prestressing the workpiece is carried out with a jig. The laser process can generate deep compressive stresses to shape even thick components without inducing unwanted tensile stress at the metal surface. The precision of the laser-induced stress enables exact prediction and subsequent contouring of parts.
Claims32
A method for forming shapes and contours in metal, comprising:
- providing a metal workpiece to be formed;
- prestressing said metal workpiece;
- and
- generating laser induced compressive stress on a surface of said metal workpiece until a desired shape is formed therein.
An apparatus for forming shapes and contours in metal, comprising:
- means for prestressing a metal workpiece;
- and
- means for generating laser induced compressive stress on a surface of said metal workpiece until a desired shape is formed therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.