Laser shock processing of aluminium: Model and experimental study

Laser shock processing is involved with high amplitude pressure wave propagation into the specimen. The magnitude and duration of the pressure generated across the evaporating surface during the laser rapid evaporation defines the depth of the deformed region. In the present study, laser shock processing of aluminium is considered and the material response to the laser-induced pressure wave is modelled. The recoil pressure generated at the irradiated surface is formulated while the stress field in the specimen is predicted using finite element analysis. An experiment is carried out to examine the metallurgical changes in the plastically deformed region using electron scanning microscopy (SEM). It is found that the prediction of the depth of the deformed region agrees well with the experimental results. The deformed region is free from cracks, which is observed from the SEM micrographs.