Utilizing the water hammer effect to enhance the mechanical properties of AISI 304 welded joints

The local residual stresses (tensile) generated on the surface of a component during its manufacturing (machining, welding) cause deterioration of its service life. To eliminate the negative effect of the stresses, the surface is treated using different methods (shot peening, laser shock peening, heat treatment, water jet peening). The application of ultrasonic technology to modify the continuous jet has been intensively researched for treating advanced stages of erosion. In this work, the modifications in the mechanical properties (tensile strength, micro-hardness and residual stress measurements) of AISI 304 Tungsten inert gas welded joints were investigated after ultrasonic pulsating water jet treatment in the incubation stage of erosion. This revealed that the initial tensile residual stress in the welded joints was converted to compressive stress after the treatment. The micro-hardness of the joints after the treatment increased about 40% in the heat affected zone in the near-surface region. Also, the tensile properties increased by about 37.8% and 34.6% in yield strength and ultimate strength, respectively. The microstructural examination of the near-surface region showed the grain reformation mechanism.