Surface Modifications of a Ti6Al4V Alloy by a Laser Shock Processing

The influence of the Laser Shock Processing (LSP) on the morphology, microstructure and surface layer properties of a Ti6Al4V alloy has been studied. Residual stresses were assessed as well. For the Laser Shock Processing a 1 KW, high-power Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used. During the process the surface of the investigated material was covered by series of single, partially overlapping impulses. The laser power density was a 1 GW/$cm^{2}$ and a pulse duration of 18 ns. The microstructure and the phases presented in the surface layer of the treated material were analysed by optical, scanning and transmisssion electron microscopy as well as by X-ray diffractometry. The X-ray diffractometry was also use to determine the residual stresses. It has been found that the laser shock processing can cause plastic deformation and generate the compressive residual stresses into the treated surface of a Ti6Al4V alloy.