Overview of Laser Shock Processing Development in South Africa: Industrial Applications

Author:  D. Glaser1,2, M. Newby2, C. Polese3, R. Scheepers4 1 Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Photonics Centre, Meiring Naudé Road Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa 2 Nelson Mandela University, Mechanical Engineering, University Way, Summers
Source:  ICSP14 Milan
Doc ID:  2022080
Year of Publication:  2022
Abstract:  
Keywords: Laser Shock Peening, Low Pressure Steam Turbine Blade, Raised Bore Drilling, Distortion Correction Abstract The Laser Shock Peening (LSP) process can be utilised to enhance the life of critical metal components or to provide precision engineered distortions for forming applications. In South Africa, the CSIR, in collaboration with industry and academia, is developing LSP technology to address local requirements. In the power generation industry, Low Pressure (LP) steam turbine blades are typically susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and fatigue. The resulting LSP performance on FV566 material shows deeper levels of beneficial compressive residual stress with minimal surface roughness compared to the mechanical Shot Peening process already implemented. In the mining sector, large steel components may require refurbishment and life extension solutions due to their harsh operating environment. The physical size of these components has pushed for the development of a mobile LSP capability. Three-point bending fatigue testing on AISI4330V reveals over 20x lifetime enhancement compared to the base material. In the aerospace sector, distortion correction of a machined AA7050-T7451 component has successfully been demonstrated.