Ultrasonic Peening of Parts and Welded Elements

Author:  Y. Kudryavtsev andJ. Kleiman
Source:  Integrity Testing Laboratory Inc
Doc ID:  2008015
Year of Publication:  2008
Abstract:  
Intense levels of high frequency acoustic energy or high power ultrasonic (HPU) have found practical use in many industrial processes, of which cleaning, welding and drilling are well-known examples. In most industrial applications, high power ultrasonic involves power levels of hundreds to thousands of watts, and ultrasonic systems are operating in the frequency ranges from 15 kHz to 100 kHz. Typical amplitudes range from about 10 to 40 microns. Such ultrasonic system operating at 20 kHz is creating a cyclic acceleration of around 40,000 g (acceleration of gravity). One of the promising directions in using of the HPU for industrial applications is the Ultrasonic Peening (UP) of materials, parts and welded elements. The UP produces a number of beneficial effects in metals and alloys. Foremost among these is increasing the resistance of materials to surface-related failures, such as fatigue, fretting fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. During the different stages of its development the UP process was also known as ultrasonic treatment (UT), ultrasonic impact technique/technology/treatment (UIT), ultrasonic impact peening (UIP). Use of