Transportable Laser Peening System for Field Applications to Improve Fatigue and SCC Resistance of Offshore Components and Structures

Laser peening technology has matured into a fully qualified production process that is now in routine and reliable use for a range of aerospace alloys. The technology is capable of extending the fatigue life and stress corrosion cracking life of components, and will enable designers to consider higher stress levels in life limited designs. Applications under development for steels include high and medium strength steels used in off shore oil exploration and production, titanium, aluminum and even ceramics and plastics as well as life extension of steel and aluminum welds. Fixed systems to treat components and transportable systems capable of field operations are available with a moveable beam that allows peening directly as needed on large structures.Copyright © 2006 by ASME