The Microstructure and Properties of Laser Shock Peened CMSX4 Superalloy

Abstract The influence of laser shock peening on the surface morphology and microstructure single-crystal CMSX4 nickel-based superalloy was investigated by optical profilometry atomic force microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy as well scanning-transmission in high-angle annular dark-field mode. Maps chemical elements distribution laser-affected areas were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, after LSP, nanohardness tests conducted cross section treated samples untreated material. Laser caused an ablation melting layer hence enlarged roughness. Beneath surface, shock-peened areas, severe distortion regular $$ {\gamma \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\gamma^{\prime}}}} \right. \kern-0pt} {\gamma^{\prime}}} γ / ′ observed. In layer, down to about 15 μ m, shear bands localized deformation formed. Moreover, result showed that average nano-hardness value obviously increased laser-treated region.