Segmented Laser Peening Probe for Internal Hydrogen Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen embrittlement poses a significant risk to metallic components in hydrogen storage and supply systems of aircraft and spacecraft, leading to premature failure due to reduced ductility and strength, particularly in complex internal surfaces and passages.
Innovation Solution
A laser shock peening device with adaptable probe segments and contactless distance measurement capabilities is used to treat internal surfaces of metallic parts, applying pulsed laser beams to improve grain distribution and induce compressive stress, effectively preventing or delaying hydrogen embrittlement in complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser peening is used on internal surfaces, then hydrogen embrittlement protection is provided, but the device cannot access complex internal geometries and non-straight passages
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple movable segments that can be articulated relative to each other, allowing the probe to navigate complex internal geometries and non-straight passages while maintaining the laser peening function for hydrogen embrittlement protection
Solution Approach 2:
The probe segments are designed to be movable and adaptable, enabling the probe to dynamically adjust its configuration to access difficult-to-reach internal surfaces within the component being treated
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid probe is used for laser shock peening, then the laser beam can be delivered effectively, but the probe cannot adapt to complex internal surfaces and passages
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple movable sections that can be articulated independently, allowing the probe to adapt to complex internal surfaces while maintaining precise laser beam delivery through each segment
Solution Approach 2:
Each probe segment can be independently positioned and oriented to optimize local laser beam delivery to specific internal surfaces, while the overall probe structure adapts to the global geometry of the component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe structure is made complex to access internal geometries, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into modular segments that can be independently controlled, allowing complex adaptation to internal geometries while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated probe structure serves multiple functions: it navigates complex geometries, positions the laser delivery system, and maintains beam precision, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and durable hydrogen storage and supply systems by uniformly treating internal surfaces, preventing hydrogen embrittlement and extending the lifespan of metallic components, even in intricate shapes and non-straight passages.
Implementation Method 1
laser shock peening device for treating an internal surface (3) of a part (1) made with a metallic material
Implementation Method 2
applying pulsed laser beams to improve grain distribution and induce compressive stress
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser shock peening device (5"; 5‴) for treating an internal surface (3), comprising a probe (37"; 37‴) formed with probe segments (51, 51a) connected in series such that successive ones of the probe segments can be moved relative to each other. A laser beam transfer arrangement (55") is capable of transferring a pulsed laser beam from a first to a second end (56", 57") of the series of probe segments. The probe segment (51a) at the second end is configured as a probe head (38") adapted to orient the laser beam (30b") and direct it towards the internal surface. Further, there is proposed a laser shock peening apparatus (6'; 6"; 6‴) for treating a surface (3), comprising a probe (37'; 37"; 37‴) formed with a probe head (38'; 38"), a laser beam transfer arrangement (55; 55") for transferring a pulsed laser beam towards the probe head, and a distance measurement device (80, 81) for contactless distance measurement between the probe and the surface. The probe or the probe head is adapted to orient the laser beam (30b'; 30b") and direct it towards the surface. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of treating an internal surface (3) of a part (1) made with a metallic material by laser shock peening, to a part of a hydrogen storage and/or supply system (107), and to an aircraft or spacecraft (100) comprising a hydrogen storage and/or supply system including such a part.