Laser processing of inconel 600 and surface structure

The results on laser shot peening of Inconel 600 are presented. A brief description of the physical processes involved in the pressure generation mechanism is given. Using an X-ray diffraction technique we show that the residual compressive stresses can be successfully induced in Inconel 600 with parameters of laser peening, which are close to that of 316L stainless steel. We found that the laser spot scanning of the surface during processing results in a system of column-like microstructure, which is tilted in the direction of scanning. The light reflected from this microstructure is predominantly scattered at angles which are different from the incidence angle. We revealed that the base material injected into the confining water due to laser ablation is transformed into spherical nanoparticles with diameter as small as 60 nm.