Physics and applications of laser-shock processing

The first part of this article presents a review of the main process parameters controlling pressure generation in a confined mode. The effect of laser intensity, target material, laser pulse duration, and laser wavelength are, therefore, discussed. An optimized process can then be defined. The second part of this article deals with the surface modifications induced by laser-shock processing. The generation of residual compressive stresses is then highlighted. Finally, in the third part, the interest of laser-shock processing is discussed for several typical applications. A conclusion will present the future trends of this technique. (C) 1998 Laser Institute of America. [S1042-346X(98)00506-3].