Influence of laser shock peening on morphology and mechanical property of Zr-based bulk metallic glass

Abstract Laser shock peening (LSP) is a promising surface treatment technology which has been extensively employed to improve the fatigue life of many metallic components. Our works focused on LSP with Nd: glass laser system and circular laser spot diameter of 4 mm for Zr 41.2 Ti 13.8 Cu 10 Ni 12.5 Be 22.5 (vit1) bulk metallic glass (BMG). LSP changed the surface morphology and mechanical properties of vit1. Optical profiles indicated that micro-indent would generate on the surface of BMG under the treatment of the higher intensity laser pulse. Detailed observation demonstrated that the surface roughness increased after laser treatment. Surface hardness decreased by up to 13% on the central region of micro-indent. The softening effect was attributed to the high density shear bands induced by the LSP technology.