Effects of Laser Shock Processing on Fatigue Crack Growth in Ti-17 Titanium Alloy

The effects of laser shock processing (LSP) on the fatigue crack properties of Ti-17 titanium alloy are investigated. Surfaces on either side of a fatigue slot are subjected to LSP. The residual stress of the irradiated surface is measured by x-ray diffraction measurement and fatigue crack growth testing of the treated and untreated specimens. The fatigue fracture morphology and microstructure are examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Proliferation and tangles of dislocations occur in the Ti-17, and the density of dislocation increases after the LSP treatment. The fine spacing of the fatigue striations indicates that LSP produces residual compressive stress on the irradiated surfaces which can delay micro-crack formation and expansion. Consequently, the fatigue propagation life of the specimen increases considerably after LSP.