A numerically low-cost and high-accuracy periodic FE modeling of shot-peened 34CrNiMo6 and experimental validation

This paper proposed a numerically low-cost 3D FE modeling method for multi-shot shot peening. The low computation cost and high prediction accuracy of shot peening are realized at the same time by the incorporation of random multi-shot with defined spacing between the adjacent simultaneously impinging shots, periodicity, and coverage rate of 100%. With this modeling method, one-step and dual-step multi-shot peening of 34CrNiMo6 steel target is modeled and the produced residual stress is predicted. In order to make the predicted residual stress depth profile more comparable with the measured one by XRD method, the redistribution of residual stress due to the layer removal by electrochemical polishing is simulated using Model Change technique. And the comparison between the prediction and experiment indicates that this improved 3D periodic FE modeling of multi-shot impingement provides very accurate simulation models for one-step and dual-step shot peening. It can substitute for the costly and time-consuming optimization experiments of the shot peening process, especially the multi-step shot peening process. Finally, the evolution of residual stress depth profile in dual-step shot peening process is investigated by using the simulation model and a variation of residual stress towards a more uniform distribution on the finished surface taking place in the second step is discovered by RMS analysis.