Effect of laser peening on the hydrogen compatibility of corrosion-resistant nickel alloy

Laser-peening surface treatments have demonstrated benefits for improving resistance to stress-corrosion cracking and extension of fatigue lifetimes. The effects of laser peening on hydrogen compatibility of structural metals have not been documented. In this study, annealed and laser-peened alloy 22 (corrosion-resistant nickel-base alloy) is thermally precharged with hydrogen and tested in tension. Laser peening is found to have no significant effect on the solubility of hydrogen in alloy 22 and enhances hydrogen-assisted fracture.