The Effect of LSP on the Structure Evolution and Self-Heating of ARMCO Iron under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

This work is devoted to the experimental investigation of the effect of laser shock peening (LSP) on the thermo-mechanical properties of metals. ARMCO iron was chosen as the model material for the study. Samples were subjected to LSP, and were tested following the procedure of the self-heating (Risitano) technique. To investigate the damage that was induced by heating, the fatigue tests were coupled with infrared thermography measurements. The results of the study showed that the LSP procedure qualitatively changes the temperature evolution in ARMCO iron during cyclic loading. The heating (energy dissipation) of the LSP treated specimen was several times higher than that of the specimen in the initial state. To explain the structural mechanisms of energy dissipation, the microstructure of the specimens was examined using transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy, as well as electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD). The results of the structural investigation confirm the qualitative change of defect evolution caused by LSP treatment.