Thermal evolution of residual stress in IN718 alloy subjected to laser peening

The thermal relaxation behaviors of residual stresses induced by laser peening (LP) in IN718 alloy were investigated using an integrated numerical simulation and experimental approach. LP and heat treatments (HT) were carried out after which the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was employed in measuring the residual stresses. Micro-structures were observed using an optic microscope (OM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Dislocations induced by LP were also observed by TEM and characterized using the XRD technique. The effects of the applied temperature and the exposure time on residual stress and micro-structures were investigated. The results show that the extent of the residual stresses relaxation increased accordingly with the increase in the applied temperature. The relaxation rate was initially high and tended to stabilize for a longer exposure time. Grain size evolution during the process was subsequently discussed. Furthermore, a conceivable mechanism of residual stresses thermal relaxation behavior was obtained.