Effect of laser shock peening on the mechanical properties of a near-α titanium alloy

Laser shock peening (LSP) or Laser shock processing is a novel surface treatment technique for strengthening metal materials. In this work, several investigations were performed to evaluate the effect of LSP on some mechanical properties of a near-α titanium alloy Ti834. Micro-hardness measurements of the untreated and LSP treated specimens were carried out by using a Vickers indenter. The depth profiles of subsurface micro-hardness of the shocked region were determined through the electro-polishing material removal in steps of 0.1 mm. It is observed that the micro-hardness of Ti834 alloy can be improved by LSP, and repeated shocks have a very beneficial effect on surface hardening. Residual stress distribution as a function of depth was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with the sin2 ψ method. The high-cycle fatigue performance of the alloy was investigated and the fractographs of fatigue specimens were observed by SEM. Results reveal that the high-cycle fatigue life of Ti834 alloy increases after laser shock peening due to the introduction of compressive stress which can delay the initiation and growth of the fatigue crack.