Dislocation density-based modeling of subsurface grain refinement with laser-induced shock compression

► We model microstructural evolution during LSP using a dislocation density model. ► An FE model is used to simulate the repetitive passes of the LSP process. ► We model the dislocation density and dislocation cell size achieved by LSP. ► Predicted residual stress and microhardness match well with the experimental data.