Simulation of the High Frequency Hammer Peening Process for Improving the Fatigue Performance of Welded Joints

Author:  V. Hardenacke, M. Farajian, D. Siegele
Source:  Conf Proc 2014: ICSP-12 Goslar, Germany (pgs.359-364)
Doc ID:  2014103
Year of Publication:  2014
Abstract:  
Post-treatment techniques like the high frequency hammer peening process exhibit a significant fatigue life enhancement of welded joints. The effectiveness of this mechanical impact treatment is primary based on three effects: The notch stress concentration at the weld toe is reduced, the local hardness is increased and compressive residual stresses are induced. The goal of the present study was to develop a computationally efficient approach for predicting residual stresses induced by the hammer peening process on steel specimens. For that purpose, explicit simulations of the hammer peening post treatment process were performed utilizing the software package ABAQUS. Within the framework of the performed investigations, the suitability of different numerical features was analyzed. The results of the simulations of the hammer peening process are in good agreement with experimental and analytical results, validating the reliability of the numerical approach. Furthermore, it is relatively straightforward to incorporate pre-existing residual stresses from welding and more complex specimen geometries in the model.