Laser Peening: A Review of the Factors, Effects, Applications, Comparison with Shot Peening and State-of-the-Art

The laser is used in several classic mechanical applications, such as: cutting, welding, surface treatments, etc. In the same way, laser shock peening (LSP) is an innovative surface treatment that exploits the mechanical effect of the application of pulsed laser radiation. Consequently, this generates work hardening and plastic deformation in depth. This process is implemented in different mechanical fields such as: defence, automotive, micro electromechanical systems, mechanical engineering and more particularly aeronautics. This review paper presents a generality on the LSP treatment and some of its applications. The factors of this process are displayed. Moreover, this study discusses the effects of laser shock peening on the mechanical and metallurgical properties, surface roughness, damage, and fatigue resistance of treated parts. A comparison between the LSP process and the shot peening is also exposed. As well, the various existing analytical and numerical models which allow the prediction of induced effects are analysed and compared. Moreover, the challenges and the limitations of the LSP treatment are highlighted.