Parametric Study of Fixtured Vibropeening

Vibropeening is a surface treatment process, which combines the peening effect of introducing residual stress with the polishing effect of reducing surface roughness in one single process step. Vibropeening equipment induces vibrations into the media to impart residual compressive stresses in sub-surface layers, as well as polishing on the surface of the work piece. In addition to process parameters, such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and media mass, which are well known in literature, this paper will focus on the study of two additional parameters: immersion depth and process time. It was found that the lower-middle section of the vibratory trough produced the highest Almen deflection. Different continuous treatment times were also studied to explore the maximum introducible residual compressive stress state, and it was concluded that an optimal time range is required to achieve the best residual stress profile. The study demonstrates that different process parameters can influence the effectiveness of the vibropeening process, and that these can be potentially optimized for higher treatment capability.