A laser shock strengthening method for small-hole components (4) with different thicknesses. In the method, different technological parameters are used for laser shock strengthening of the small-hole components (4) with different thicknesses, statistical analysis is conducted after a large number of tests to obtain an empirical formula; the empirical formula is a relational expression AA of the power density and the thicknesses of the small-hole component (4). The power density of laser shock strengthening of the small-hole components (4) with different thicknesses can be determined according to the relational expression; and a method for selecting and determining related technological parameters is provided. According to the method, after the small-hole components (4) with different thicknesses are subjected to laser shock strengthening by using a proper technology, reasonable residual compressive stress distribution can be obtained, a good strengthening effect can be achieved, effective shock quality control can be conducted on the components, and workpiece deformation is controlled while guaranteeing the fatigue life of the small-hole components (4).

A method includes producing a functional structure on an aluminum surface with a local laser treatment of an aluminum surface. The local laser treatment is carried out with a pulsed laser system having a pulse duration of from 10 ns to 100 ns. The average power of the pulsed laser system is less than 5 kW.

A method includes producing a functional structure on an aluminum surface with a local laser treatment of an aluminum surface. The local laser treatment is carried out with a pulsed laser system having a pulse duration of from 10 ns to 100 ns. The average power of the pulsed laser system is less than 5 kW.

A delivery device that is usable in a laser peening operation emits a columnar flow of a fluid that contains therein a beam of electromagnetic energy. The beam is retained within the interior of the flow of fluid since the total internal reflectivity of the flow is sufficient to do so. The flow of fluid that serves as a conduit for the beam also itself impinges on a workpiece and thus contains and washes away the plasma that forms from a laser peening operation, and this resists the plasma from reaching and possibly damaging the delivery device. The carrying of the beam in the columnar flow of fluid avoids the need to maintain a fixed distance between the delivery device and the workpiece, which simplifies the movement by a robotic manipulator of the delivery device along a non-planar surface of a workpiece during a laser peening operation.

A delivery device that is usable in a laser peening operation emits a columnar flow of a fluid that contains therein a beam of electromagnetic energy. The beam is retained within the interior of the flow of fluid since the total internal reflectivity of the flow is sufficient to do so. The flow of fluid that serves as a conduit for the beam also itself impinges on a workpiece and thus contains and washes away the plasma that forms from a laser peening operation, and this resists the plasma from reaching and possibly damaging the delivery device. The carrying of the beam in the columnar flow of fluid avoids the need to maintain a fixed distance between the delivery device and the workpiece, which simplifies the movement by a robotic manipulator of the delivery device along a non-planar surface of a workpiece during a laser peening operation.

A surface treatment method includes a step of irradiating a workpiece with a pulsed laser beam through a transparent liquid and a step of causing particles to collide with a heat-affected layer developed on a surface layer portion of the workpiece in the step of irradiating. The particles each has a core made of an elastic body and abrasive grains provided on a surface of the core.

A power end frame includes a housing and a face plate secured to the housing. During use, components of the power end frame, including the housing and the face plate, are subjected to large tensile stresses. This disclosure describes a method of imparting compressive stresses in the power end frame to resist these large tensile stresses.

A power end frame includes a housing and a face plate secured to the housing. During use, components of the power end frame, including the housing and the face plate, are subjected to large tensile stresses. This disclosure describes a method of imparting compressive stresses in the power end frame to resist these large tensile stresses.

Systems for and methods for improving mechanical properties of ceramic material are provided. The system comprises a heat source for heating the ceramic material to a temperature greater than a brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the ceramic material; a probe for mounting the ceramic material and configured to extend the ceramic material into the heat source; a plasma-confining medium and a sacrificial layer disposed between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium; and an energy pulse generator such as a laser pulse generator. The sacrificial layer is utilized to form plasma between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium. The method comprises heating ceramic material to a temperature greater than a brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the ceramic material and subjecting the ceramic material to energy pulses via a sacrificial layer and a plasma-confining medium whereby a plasma of the sacrificial coating forms between the ceramic material and a plasma-confining medium.

Systems for and methods for improving mechanical properties of ceramic material are provided. The system comprises a heat source for heating the ceramic material to a temperature greater than a brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the ceramic material; a probe for mounting the ceramic material and configured to extend the ceramic material into the heat source; a plasma-confining medium and a sacrificial layer disposed between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium; and an energy pulse generator such as a laser pulse generator. The sacrificial layer is utilized to form plasma between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium. The method comprises heating ceramic material to a temperature greater than a brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the ceramic material and subjecting the ceramic material to energy pulses via a sacrificial layer and a plasma-confining medium whereby a plasma of the sacrificial coating forms between the ceramic material and a plasma-confining medium.