Can laser technology strengthen miniature parts? This research explores the feasibility of using micro-scale laser shock processing to enhance the fatigue life of metallic components. The study investigates the effects of focused laser beams, approximately ten microns in size, on copper targets. The authors modeled shock pressure and strain/stress, accounting for the high strain rates and pressures at the microscale. Numerical solutions were validated experimentally by examining the shock-generated plastic deformation on target surfaces and measuring in-depth strains under various conditions. The study demonstrates the potential to tailor residual stress distributions by controlling shock locations and spacing. This technique holds promise for improving the durability of micro-components, such as micro-gears fabricated using MEMS. The research also suggests the possibility of combining micro-scale laser shock processing with laser micromachining to mitigate undesirable residual stresses.
This study on micro-scale laser shock processing aligns with the journal's focus on advanced manufacturing techniques and their applications in engineering. By exploring the use of laser technology to improve the fatigue life of metallic components, the paper contributes to the advancement of manufacturing processes and materials engineering, a key area of interest for the journal.