Waterjet Machining and Peening of Metals

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to determine the influence of high-pressure waterjet (WJ) peening and abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining on the surface integrity and texture of metals. A combination of microstructure analysis, microhardness measurements, and profilometry were used in determining the depth of plastic deformation and surface texture that result from the material removal process. The measurement and evaluation of residual stress was conducted with X-ray diffraction. The residual stress fields resulting from treatment were analyzed to further distinguish the influence of material properties on the surface integrity. It was found that waterjet peening induces plastic deformation at the surface layer of metals as good as shot peening. The degree of plastic deformation and the state of material surface were found to be strongly dependent on the peening conditions applied. [S0094-9930(00)00801-5]