Patent Number: 6,670,577

Title: Laser shock peening method and apparatus

Abstract: A method for laser shock peening a surface is disclosed. A laser beam pulse from a laser apparatus is produced. The laser pulse has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the laser beam, a fluence profile across the cross-section. The pulse against an area on said surface. The fluence profile is controlled such that process induced defects are reduced.

Inventors: Staver; Phillip Randall (Hagaman, NY), Lotshaw; William Taylor (Bethesda, MD), Gigliotti, Jr.; Michael Francis X (Scotia, NY), Unternahrer; Josef Robert (Lafayette, CO), Gilmore; Robert Snee (Charlton, NY), Batzinger; Thomas James (Burnt Hills, NY)

Assignee: General Electric Company

International Classification: B23K 26/067 (20060101); B23K 26/06 (20060101); C21D 10/00 (20060101); B23K 026/00 ()

Expiration Date: 12/30/2020