Method and Apparatus for Imparting a Simple Contour to a Workpiece

Author:  Davis L. Baughman
Source:  US Patent 4,694,672
Doc ID:  1985092
Year of Publication:  1985
Abstract:  
An improved method and apparatus is provided for imparting a simple contour to an aircraft skin. A treatment chamber having a conveyor with a workpiece attached thereto and a shot peening blast unit positioned therein is provided. The workpiece is conveyed past the blast unit for peening treatment. A control system is provided for orienting the workpiece and blast unit so that the peening is done only in narrow spanwise strips and only on common chord percentage lines of the workpiece. This method and apparatus thereby creates chordwise simple curvature to the workpiece while minimizing compound curvature effects.