Investigation on experiments and numerical modelling of the residual stress distribution in deformed surface layer of Ti–6Al–4V after shot peening

Shot peening is well known as an effective and important surface treatment method to improve the surface properties of metallic components. In this work, both the experiments and numerical modelling of the residual stress distribution introduced by shot peening in deformed surface layer of Ti–6Al–4V have been investigated. The program of ABAQUS/Explicit has been used in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models for the dynamic analysis of impacting. After shot peening, the residual stresses distribution along the depth variation from top surface have been measured by X-ray method. The distribution of residual stress by simulation is according with the result of experiment, and the compressive residual stresses have formed in the surface layer and the maximum appear on the subsurface layer. The results indicate that the max compressive residual stresses range from −870 to −1000 MPa. After shot peening, the microstructure of peened surface from the section plane has been observed and the indentations on the surface are obvious. All results have been discussed in detail.

► A 3D model of dynamic analysis using four impacts with 36 shot balls is adopted.
► The max CRS of simulation ranges from −870 to −1000 MPa at the depth of 40 μm.
► The simulation is consistent with the experiment within experimental error.
► This 3D model is appropriate for predicting the residual stresses distribution.
► The indentations on the surface are obvious according to the optical micrograph.