Analysis of microstructure and tensile properties produced by cryogenic laser peening on 2024-T351 aluminum alloy

The microstructural response and tensile properties on 2024-T351 aluminum alloy specimens induced by cryogenic laser peening were investigated. The microstructure behaviors were characterized by transmission electron microscopic examination and electron backscattered diffraction analysis. Tensile properties tests at room temperature were also performed. The experimental results cleared that compared with room temperature laser peening, cryogenic laser peening can induce higher-density of dislocation and smaller-size grain, while the strength and plasticity of the processed 2024-T351 aluminum alloy were simultaneously increased. The analysis results suggested that the more excellent tensile properties were attributed to the more beneficial microstructural evolution induced by cryogenic laser peening.