Influence of Shot Peening on Failure of an Aluminum Alloy Exposed to Aggressive Aqueous Environments

Pre-corrosion damage tests were performed on the high strength aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) that was subject to shot peening surface treatment. The tests were performed for different time levels and compared one-on-one with the performance and characteristics of the non-shot-peened alloy. The residual stress induced by the shot peening surface treatment for two different intensity levels was measured using the method of incremental drilling of holes. Based on an observation of morphology of corrosion experienced by the aluminum alloy the depth of corrosion was measured using a laser displacement sensor. The surface of the aluminum alloy that was shot peened revealed an overall better resistance to pitting while concurrently revealing evidence of partial degradation. The depth of degradation is related to the residual stress that is induced in the aluminum alloy sample by the shot peening treatment. The key mechanisms that control damage during corrosion of the shot-peened aluminum alloy can be divided into the distinct stages of (a) initial occurrence of uniform corrosion followed by (b) the generation of degradation, and (c) culminating in the initiation of pitting once the depth of degradation reaches a certain level.