Residual Stress Induced by Waterjet Peening: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

The concept of multiple droplet impacts resulting from ultra high-pressure waterjet (UHPWJ) was used to develop a mathematical model to describe the effect of interfacial pressure on the underlying workpiece material. A non-linear elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out in this study using the interfacial pressure model to predict residual compressive stresses. This three-dimensional FEA model was based on quasi-static considerations to provide prediction of both magnitude and depth of residual stress fields in a 7075-T6 aluminum alloy (A17075-T6). Results of the FEA modeling were in good agreement with experimental measurements. Effects of applied pressures on the residual stress fields are also presented and discussed as a method of estimating high-pressure waterjet induced compressive stresses under varying process conditions for peening.