Are You Peening Too Much?

Author:  John Cammett, Nadcap Auditor, Lead Instructor
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 28, Issue 3, Summer 2014
Doc ID:  2014023
Year of Publication:  2014
Abstract:  
INTRODUCTION: The title of this article does not refer to the amount of peening business you are doing nor does it represent inquiry into how many parts you are peening by way of manufacturing or repair. Rather, the purpose of this article is to consider the subject of peening coverage and to consider how much coverage should be employed when peening is being done for the most common legitimate purposes including fatigue life and fatigue strength enhancement, stress corrosion resistance, and weight reduction as a result of strength enhancement achieved. It is recognized that peening nearly always conveys some benefit. One should recognize, however, that the amount of the benefit may well be determined by how the peening is performed. In addition to coverage, this likely will include considerations for intensity and for media selection and maintenance. Only the matter of coverage is treated in this article, leaving plenty of room for others to investigate other factors and parameters. The author’s argument for taking up the subject of coverage is the probability that this factor represents the greatest opportunity for improving the peening process.