Effects of overlapping rate on the uniformities of surface profile of LY2 Al alloy during massive laser shock peening impacts

Massive laser shock peening (LSP) impacts have been a competitive alternative technology to improve fatigue life, corrosion and wear resistance of metallic component which depend strongly on the generated surface profile and plastic deformation in the surface layer. First, a three-dimensional finite element modeling (FEM) model with different overlapping rates has been developed to predict residual stress distribution and surface profile of LY2 Al alloy. Second, residual stress distribution predicted is validated by experimental data. Next, four kinds of overlapping rates, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%, are chosen to investigate the uniformity and affected depth of residual stress. Special emphasis is also placed on the effects of overlapping rate on surface profile and plastic deformation of LY2 AL alloy subjected to massive LSP impacts. Finally, the underlying influence mechanism of overlapping rate on surface profile of LY2 Al alloy is also clearly revealed.