Passing the Torch

Author:  Jack Champaigne | Editor | The Shot Peener
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 40, Issue 1, Winter 2026
Doc ID:  2026001
Year of Publication:  2026
Abstract:  
Passing the torch to the next generation is the theme of this opening shot. I remember attending the SAE Fatigue Design & Evaluation (FD&E) meeting in 1985. There were six divisions of this committee, and I wandered into the Surface Enhancement Division. Charlie Barrett, from Metal Improvement Co. was the chairman. After Barrett’s passing in 2006, I was elected chairman of the division. The FD&E committee was sponsoring a collaborative on FEA study on welds and I suggested that a sample be shot peened. Progressive Surface did the treatment. During the meeting, the results of the fatigue testing were shown along with the estimate of lifetime. There was a long pause when the photo of the shotpeened weld was shown: it had not failed, but rather, the fatigue tester had failed. I was delighted. Now the other five divisions would have an interest in shot peening. Not so fast. They still had no interest in shot peening. I requested a divorce; it was granted. The Surface Enhancement Division became the Surface Enhancement Committee with me as chair- this included a seat on the Materials, Processes and Parts Council.