LAUSR

In this study, two different fine particle shot peening (FPSP) treatments were performed on Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy specimens to evaluate their effects on fatigue properties. After the treatment, the microstructure morphology of the specimens was observed, and the surface roughness and residual stress distribution were measured. Rotating bending fatigue tests were conducted, and the fatigue fracture surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crack initiation and propagation behavior were investigated using the replica method. The results indicate that FPSP can introduce residual stress on the surface layer of the material and refine the surface microstructure, and also change the surface roughness. At low stress amplitude levels, FPSP can improve fatigue life significantly. At 5 × 107 cycles, the fatigue strength of shot-peened specimens increased by 33% compared to unpeened specimens. In unpeened and steel shot-peened (SSP) specimens, both crystal slip and casting defects can induce fatigue failure, while only casting defects can cause failure in the case of ceramic shot-peened (CSP) specimens. Moreover, FPSP can move the crack initiation site to the subsurface from the surface. The range of threshold stress intensity factor of the material can be improved significantly by this treatment. Casting defects have a significant influence on fatigue strength; the effect on fatigue strength can be well evaluated by the modified Murakami equation.