Research on Wear Resistance of AISI 9310 Steel with Micro-Laser Shock Peening

Improving the wear resistance of turbine engine drive components is crucial. This study presented a new Laser Shock Peening (LSP) technique: Micro-Laser Shock Peening (Micro-LSP) technology for surface modification and strengthening of AISI 9310 steel. The effects of different pulse energies (50 mJ, 150 mJ, 200 mJ) on surface morphology, mechanical properties, and wear behavior were investigated. The results showed that the Micro-LSP treatment reduced the wear rate by 56% to 74%. The dimpled structure induced during the strengthening process increased the surface roughness and reduced the contact area; moreover, the coefficient of friction (COF) was reduced. The treatment also had the effect of reducing the wear rate by collecting abrasive debris and changing some of the sliding wear into rolling wear. The reduced wear rate was a result of the combined effect of the dimpled structure and the hardened layer. In addition, a deeper hardened layer also slows down the onset of wear behavior. Micro-LSP technology offers completely new methods and possibilities for wear reduction.