Surface nano-hardness and microstructure of a single crystal nickel base superalloy after laser shock peening

Nanoindention tests and SEM microstructure observations were conducted on a single crystal nickel base superalloy after laser shock peening (LSP). Distinct surface hardening behavior was found to occur under the selected LSP technology. A large discrepancy in gamma' areas happened on laser shocked regions and the large plastic deformation embodied in gamma' phases' deformation brought a significant hardening effect.