Modeling and simulation of shot peening process

Shot peening is a widely used mechanical surface processing method for fatigue strength enhancement. It is a complex process as multiple nonlinear factors are involved. In this paper, a novel method is presented to model and simulate shot peening process in 3D system. Workpieces and tools were modelled in 3D system to simulate the dynamic characteristics of the shot peening process. A vectorial routing method was introduced to define the movement of nozzles in 3D space. Shot peening impacts over the surface of the specimen was simulated with a segmented field function. The deformation of specimen was simulated instantaneously with a combined analytical/numerical method by dividing the shot peened area of the specimen into segments according to the segmented field function of coverage. Verification of simulation results by shot peening experiments showed that this approach could facilitate process design and predict operational behaviours. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.