QUANTIFICATION OF SHOT PEENING PROCESS VARIABLES AFFECTING WORKPIECE PERFORMANCE: PROCESS CONTROL AND SHOT PEENING MEDIA

Shot peening is known to be beneficial for improving fatigue life and stress corrosion resistance of components. Shot peening has historically lacked definition of qualitative process variables and optimum quantitative levels. This problem is compounded by lack of definitive process controls for consistently reproducing the process variables affecting workpiece performance. The authors chose shot peening media as first of a series intended to holistically examine which peening variables affect workpiece performance, how performance is affected, and how these can be metered, controlled, and/or documented. Peening media problems are categorized into seven groups. Each is examined conceptually as to effect on workpiece life. Determination is made as to available equipment, quality assurance, and documentation tools.