Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The results on laser shot peening and its characterization for Inconel 600 are presented. Using an X-ray diffraction technique we show that the residual compressive stresses can be successfully induced in Inconel 600 with parameters of laser peening, which are close to that of 316L stainless steel. The on-line monitoring system involving the acoustic pulse measurements is described for quality control of laser shot peening process. We found that sample scanning during laser processing results in a system of column-like microstructure, which is tilted in direction of scanning. The features of optical properties of tilted microstructure are described. We revealed that the base material injected into the confining water due to laser ablation is transformed to spherical nanoparticles with diameter of 60 nm.