Abstract
The effects of laser shock peening (LSP) on microstructure and properties of 32CrNi3MoVE steel are investigated. Laser shock peening experiment was undertaken using a laser system with the pulse-width of 15ns, 50% overlap rate, and pulse-energy of 7J. The microhardness, residual stress, microstructure, and wear resistance of the laser shock peening 32CrNi3MoVE steel samples were measured. The results show that the microhardness and residual compressive stress distribution is remarkably improved by LSP. High-density dislocations are generated and the width of the martensite grains is reduced to a certain extent, indicating the phenomenon of grain compression. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the material reduces so that the wear resistance is correspondingly improved. The wear mechanism of the untreated sample is abrasive wear and adhesive wear, the wear mechanism of the treated samples is abrasive wear.
