image: Laser peening is a process that extends the service lifetime of critical metal parts, from aircraft engine fan blades to hip joints, by a factor of three to five times over conventional peening treatments. The process also holds the promise of lighter, stronger products of entirely new designs. The laser creates an intense shock wave that peens the metal, putting compressive stress much deeper into the metal, significantly increasing resistance to cracking or corrosion. view more
Credit: Courtesy of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.