Multiphysics simulation on electromagnetic peening of predrilled holes

The areas around predrilled holes are highly stressed regions where cracks can easily form, which decreases the resistance of metal components to fatigue and causes serious problems in industry, such as aerospace, automobile, and ship building. In this paper, a novel method utilizing the effects of a strong pulsed electromagnetic field is introduced to effectively produce residual compressive stress into the surface of a predrilled hole. Basic principles of electromagnetic peening (EMP) are investigated using a multiphysics simulation approach. Simulations of EMP process on the surface of a work piece with predrilled blind hole are carried out by COMSOL Multiphysics 3.4. The distributions of stress and strain are presented and discussed, which demonstrate the feasibility of EMP on inducing compressive residual stress into the interior surface around a hole. In addition, the distribution of residual stress varies with various hole depth and work piece thickness is investigated. Finally, the influence of process parameters is also studied. The results of this work will help design process of strengthening 3D surfaces in metal components in manufacturing industry.