Physics and applications of laser-shock processing

The first part of this article presents a review of the main process parame ters controlling pressure generation in a confined mode. The effect of lase r intensity, target material, laser pulse duration, and laser wavelength ar e, therefore, discussed. An optimized process can then be defined. The seco nd part of this article deals with the surface modifications induced by las er-shock processing. The generation of residual compressive stresses is the n highlighted. Finally, in the third part, the interest of laser-shock proc essing is discussed for several typical applications. A conclusion will pre sent the future trends of this technique. (C) 1998 Laser Institute of Ameri ca. [S1042-346X(98)00506-3].