Back to Basics: Energy Controls Shot Peening Efficiency

Author:  Dr. David Kirk | Coventry University U.K.
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 36, Issue 4, Fall 2022
Doc ID:  2022038
Year of Publication:  2022
Abstract:  
INTRODUCTION Energy is arguably the most important factor in shot peening. Without energy there would be no shot peening. It follows that energy has to be controlled in order to maximize shot peening efficiency. Energy is the capacity for doing work. The law of conservation of energy states that “Energy can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed.” Air-blast shot peening relies upon potential energy stored in compressors. Compressed air provides the means for accelerating shot particles. Wheel-blast peening allows shot particles to be accelerated dynamically via rotating blades. Energy is essentially quantitative and therefore has corresponding units depending upon whether we are considering potential or dynamic energy. This article starts with a consideration of energy units and continues with considering the role of energy in various aspects of shot peening. Minimizing the required energy input maximizes shot peening efficiency.