Output details

Effect of laser shock peening on residual stress and fatigue life of clad 2024 aluminium sheet containing scribe defects

An international collaboration between Cranfield, the Open University, Airbus Germany and Metal Improvements (UK) into laser peening treatments to repair mechanical damage in aircraft and control growth of fatigue cracks. This is quicker and less intrusive than cutting out the damaged area and riveting a repair patch. (Domenico Furfari, domenico.furfari@airbus.com) Research results achieved the desired performance, leading to two further industry-funded projects with Airbus. Collaborations also emerged with Metal Improvements and Toshiba, suppliers of laser peen treatments. Airbus now have high Technology-Readiness level internal programmes to further develop other peening treatments to enhance performance of metallic aircraft structures (contact as above).