METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMPRESSIVE STRESS

摘要

A surface treatment element having a textured surface with a plurality of deforming features is pressed against the surface of an article to induce deep and shallow layers of compressive residual stress to form a continuous layer of compressive residual stress extending from the surface to a depth beneath the surface. A method whereby a surface treatment apparatus is pressed into the surface of the apparatus to cause Hertzian loading thereby inducing a deep, high magnitude compressive residual stress below the surface. The deforming features of the surface treatment element cause the lateral displacement of material on the surface of the article thereby cold working the surface and providing a more shallow layer of compressive residual stress at the surface.