Laser shock peening: a promising tool for enhancing the aeroengine materials’ surface properties

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a unique and efficient surface modification technique that surface engineers have commonly adopted to tailor metallic materials’ surface and subsurface properties. The primary goal of this review paper is to highlight LSP as a surface modification technique for materials used in aeroengine, as this further ameliorates the commercialization of LSP in aeroengine sectors. The recent research articles focused on the application of LSP to improve the surface characteristics (i.e. surface residual stresses, hardness) and to resist the corresponding service challenges (i.e. fatigue, wear) of the aeroengine metallic material have been reviewed. In addition, a brief explanation of LSP and its controlling parameters is included. From the aeroengines perspective, challenges and future aspects for improving LSP application and commercialization are summarised based on the authors’ experience and published literature.