Application of the FEM for the prediction of the surface layer characteristics after shot peening

A finite element (FE) simulation model is presented in order to serve as a fast prediction tool for the surface layer characteristics after shot peening. This includes a FE-geometry model and an elasto-viscoplastic combined isotropic kinematic material. For the detailed validation of its applicability simulated and experimentally measured topographies and residual stresses on plates of AISI 4140 in a quenched and tempered state after single and double impacts of large hardened steel balls will be compared. These large shot experiments allow a high resolution of the residual stress state of single dimples by X-ray measurements and eliminate the statistical influence of multiple impacts. Finally the residual stress profiles of differently shot peened samples of the same material will be compared with accordingly simulated results. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.