LSP Days 2019

The participants in Geesthacht. [Photo: HZG/Heidrun Hillen]

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a surface treatment process which imparts tailored residual stress states in materials and components. Its focus is on adjusting compressive residual stresses deep in the material in order to increase its resistance to fatigue fracture and wear fatigue, as well as stress and fretting corrosion processes. Processing using LSP offers a targeted method to induce plastic deformation in sheet metal components, and thus can be used to form and straighten parts.

The aim of the international workshop was to bring scientists from universities and research institutions together with industry representatives to discuss current developments in LSP technology with a view to its potential industrial applications. On September 18th, the third day of the workshop, around 50 participants from more than 10 different countries came to the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht to attend lectures and take part in practical tutorials on LSP processes and characterisation of LSP-treated components and structures. The workshop was led by Dr Nikolai Kashaev (Laser Material Processing and Structural Assessment), Prof. Benjamin Klusemann (Solid State Joining Processes) and Dr David Osman Busse (Senior Systems Engineer at ZAL).

Research activities

Dr. Nikolai Kashaev was one of the organizers along with Prof. Benjamin Klusemann and Dr. David Osman Busse (ZAL). [Photo: HZG/Christian Schmid]

The Laser Processing and Structural Assessment department in the Material Mechanics division of the Institute of Materials Research specialises in the laser processing of metallic materials and their characterisation through non-destructive testing, metallographic analysis, and mechanical testing. In addition to laser welding and laser shock peening, the departments research activities also focus on the laser-based additive manufacturing process of laser-metal deposition (LMD) with wires and powders.

The Solid State Joining Processes department, which is also in the Material Mechanics division, works on fundamental and application-oriented research topics in the field of friction welding technologies. The core areas of expertise which have earned the department its leading international reputation include friction stir welding and related friction-based processes such as friction spot welding and friction deposition welding. These processes allow a high degree of flexibility when joining or coating different combinations of materials (similar or dissimilar).

Center of Applied Aeronautical Research -ZAL

The Centre for Applied Aeronautical Research (Zentrum für Angewandte Luftfahrtforschung GmbH, ZAL) operates the TechCenter in Finkenwerder, where OEMs and suppliers from the aviation sector work together under one roof. As well as being a respected technology partner for OEMs and suppliers, ZAL also provides services focusing on the interfaces between these players.