Experimental investigation of laser shock peening using femtosecond laser pulses

In this study, the feasibility of laser shock peening using ultrafast laser pulses was experimentally investigated. A top coating of zinc with a water confining layer was applied in the investigation. The zinc coating was used for the thermoprotective effect. A high numerical aperture (NA≈0.5) aspheric lens was used to minimize the optical breakdown of water. Microhardness measurements were made on the top surface of the shock peened specimen and compared with the original material hardness. The results provide useful insight on conditions that are necessary to achieve desirable results.