In the realm of advanced manufacturing, a breakthrough in laser peening technology is set to revolutionize the way we shape and strengthen materials, particularly in the energy sector. Researchers have developed a novel square laser loading model that could replace the traditional circular spot superposition method, offering a more efficient and accurate approach to laser peening forming.
Xu Pei, a leading researcher from the Faculty of Mechanical and Material Engineering at Huaiyin Institute of Technology, has been at the forefront of this innovation. The study, published in the Journal of Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems, and Manufacturing (known in English as “Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems, and Manufacturing”), focuses on the finite element simulation of laser peening forming, a process crucial for enhancing the durability and performance of metal components.
Laser peening is a process that uses high-intensity laser pulses to induce compressive residual stresses on the surface of metal components, improving their fatigue life and strength. Traditionally, this process involves the superposition of circular laser spots, a method that, while effective, can be time-consuming and complex.
Pei and his team have introduced a square laser loading model that simplifies the process. “By studying the loading feature unit of the circular spot superposition model, we constructed a square laser loading model that can replace the circular spots overlay laser peening forming,” Pei explained. This innovation not only streamlines the procedure but also enhances the accuracy of finite element simulations, which are essential for predicting the behavior of materials under laser peening.
The researchers conducted finite element simulations on a 7075 aluminum alloy flat plate model, comparing the results with experimental data. The findings were promising. Both the simulations and experiments showed that laser peening forming generates high amplitude residual compressive stress on the surface of the metal plate. The magnitude and overall trend of residual stress at different positions were consistent, validating the effectiveness of the new model.
“This indicates that the constructed square laser loading model and its finite element simulation method are reasonable, effective, and in accordance with experimental laws,” Pei noted. The study also attributed the sheet metal forming under laser peening to the gradient plastic extension effect driven by the surface material of the substrate under the effect of laser shot peening.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Laser peening is widely used to enhance the performance of critical components in power generation and renewable energy systems. The new square laser loading model could lead to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes, ultimately improving the reliability and longevity of energy infrastructure.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this are crucial for meeting the demands of a sustainable and resilient future. The research by Pei and his team represents a significant step forward in the field of laser peening technology, offering a glimpse into the future of advanced manufacturing.
“This research not only advances our understanding of laser peening but also paves the way for more efficient and accurate manufacturing processes,” Pei concluded. With the potential to enhance the performance of critical components in the energy sector, this breakthrough is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.