Simulation Of The Ultrasonic Shot Peening Process

Author:  P. Thuemmler, H. Polanetzki, V. Schulze
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-10 Tokyo, Japan 2008
Doc ID:  2008113
Year of Publication:  2008
Abstract:  
ABSTRACT Ultrasonic shot peening (USP) is a novel process suitable for the shot peening of highly complex component geometries. In USP, unlike conventional shot peening where the shot is propelled by compressed air, the shot is energized by a sonotrode vibrating at ultrasonic frequency. There already exists a large body of literature describing the application of the USP technique. Yet it remains difficult to develop the process for a specific purpose, with problems ranging from chamber design to individual process parameters. Often, comprehensive experimental investigations are needed to find the optimum peening parameters. Also, peening results on complex component geometries reveal that the motion of the shot and hence the way the process works is still poorly understood. We propose to close that gap by developing an USP simulation software for the peening of random component contours. It will appreciably reduce the experimental effort required for the optimization of parameters. For use in engine construction, optimization of the process variables will afford distinct advantages, considering for instance that peening intensity, a characteristic used for process control, can be determined in advance across the entire component contour. The simulation will also permit to estimate component peening time. KEY WORDS Ultrasonic shot peening (USP), numerical simulation, shot velocity, peening intensity, peening time