Effect of the Laser Shock Processing onWear Resistance of Brass Alloy

Abstract

Laser shock processing (LSP) is becoming an important surface treatment to induce a compressive residual stress field, which improves micro-hardness, fatigue and fracture properties of components. In this work, we examine the effect of laser shock processing on the surface micro-hardness and wear resistance of brass alloy. After LSP treatment, micro-hardness values increased by 97% at the metal surface and decreases gradually with distance below the surface. It is observed that LSP impact can improve the wear resistance of brass, where the wear rate is reduced by 79% compared with the untreated LSP specimens due to work hardening and compressive residual stress of LSP impact. From SEM micrograph analysis of worn surface, the grooves and compacted debris of LSP treated sample are smaller and less than these untreated LSP samples.