14th International Conference on Shot Peening

Overview of Laser Shock Processing Development in South Africa: Industrial Applications

D. Glasera,b, M. Newbyb, C. Polesec, R. Scheepers

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Laser Centre, Meiring Naudé Road

Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa – DGlaser@csir.co.za

bNelson Mandela University, Mechanical Engineering, University Way, Summerstrand, Gqeberha,

South Africa – mark.newby@outlook.com

cUniversity of the Witwatersrand, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering & DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg,

South Africa – Claudia.Polese@wits.ac.za

dEskom Holdings SOC Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa – ScheepR@eskom.co.za

Introduction

The Laser Shock Peening (LSP) process offers deep levels of beneficial compressive residual stress with minimal surface deterioration, which can be utilised to enhance the life of critical metal components or to provide precision engineered distortions for forming applications.

In the power generation industry, Low Pressure (LP) steam turbine blades are typically susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and fatigue. Conventional mechanical Shot Peening (SP) is already applied as a mitigation measure [1]. However, operation of the ageing turbine fleet in South Africa demonstrates scope for superior performance offered by LSP. In the mining sector, large steel components may require refurbishment and life extension solutions due to their harsh operating environment. The physical size of these components complicates the implementation of traditional life enhancement techniques, where LSP offers a unique localised solution for critical regions. In the aerospace sector, manufacturing of precision thin-walled aluminium components often encounters distortion challengers, where LSP can potentially be applied as a correction technology.

Objectives

In South Africa, the CSIR, in collaboration with industry and academia, is developing LSP technology to address the main local requirements in the power generation, mining, and aerospace sectors.