Lsp Technologies, Inc.

Battelle Memorial Institute

Vernay Laboratories, Inc.

Jeffrey L Dulaney

Allan H Clauer

Steven M Toller

Mark E O'Loughlin

Harold M Epstein

David W Sokol

Craig Thompson Walters

Bernerd E Campbell

Patrick M Kenney

Timothy F Shelton

Boyd A Mueller

Craig I Walters

An image processing system for monitoring a laser peening process includes a laser peening system having a workpiece positioner and a system controller. A video camera is utilized for forming an electronic image of at least a portion of a workpiece. An image processing computer is connected to the video camera, and the laser peening controller includes a program to determine a position of the workpiece.

Image processing for laser shock processing

A laser processing method for processing a hidden surface of a workpiece, the hidden surface being disposed within a recess having an opening. The method includes inserting a reflective member into the recess and directing a pulse of coherent energy to reflect off of said reflective member and impact the hidden surface of a workpiece to create a shock wave. Alteratively a surface of the recess may be modified to laser shock process the hidden surface. In one particular embodiment, the reflective member is specifically shaped toprovide diction of a pulse of coherent energy to a hidden surface so that a substantially uniform energy density is applied to the hidden surface. In an additional embodiment, the method is optimized for preventing damage to the reflective member. In one particular embodiment, the reflective member is composed of a fluid.

Hidden surface laser shock processing

A method and apparatus for quality control of laser shock processing. The method includes measuring emissions and characteristics of a workpiece when subjected to a pulse of coherent energy from a laser. These empirically measured emissions and characteristics of the workpiece are correlated to theoretical shock pressure, residual stress profile, or fatigue life of the workpiece. The apparatus may include a radiometer or acoustic detection device for measuring these characteristics.

Quality control plasma monitor for laser shock processing

An apparatus and method for providing a substantially debris-free laser beam path for use during laser shock processing. The method and apparatus include a system for removing debris from the laser beam path and a system for preventing debris from entering the laser beam path.

Beam path clearing for laser peening

A method of testing the operation of a laser peening system includes providing a sensor in a possible laser beam path, applying a transparent overlay material to the sensor, directing a pulse of coherent energy to the sensor through the transparent overlay material to create a shock wave, and determining a characteristic of the created shock wave with the sensor.

Quality control for laser peening

Image processing for laser peening

A remote laser shock processing system for improving the properties of a solid workpiece by providing shock waves therein. The system includes a remote output end and a laser beam delivery arrangement for directing a beam of coherent energy to a specific location along a workpiece. In addition, a method of utilizing the remote laser shock processing system is included.

Mobile laser peening system

A method and apparatus for improving the functionality, quality, and usefulness of a beam of coherent energy used in laser shock processing by utilizing an apodizer within the oscillator or amplifier of a laser. The apodizer used may be a phase plate, a serrated aperture, a birefringent beam shaper, an absorbent graded aperture, a reflective graded aperture, or a combination thereof. A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing damage to an oscillator and an amplifier utilizes an apodizer.

Apodizers for laser peening systems

An apparatus creating a processing cell for laser peening operations includes an enclosure which substantially defines a work cell or processing cell with a transparent overlay material applicator disposed therein. A cleaning system is utilized that may include a vapor exhaust, liquid removal system, and a gas or air supply. A vapor exhaust system is connected to the enclosure for removing vapor from within the processing cell. A liquid removal system is connected to the enclosure for removing liquid from the processing cell. A gas or air supply is connected to the enclosure to flood the enclosure with gas or air to flush airborne debris therefrom. A workpiece manipulator may be disposed or operate within the cell for moving workpieces therein.

Process chamber for laser peening

A hollow workpiece includes an outside surface through which a port opens to the hollow interior, and a laser peened area on the surface of the workpiece. The laser peened area is created on the surface while the hollow interior is at least partially filled with a substance other than air. A method of laser peening a hollow core gas turbine engine blade includes the steps of providing a hollow core gas turbine engine blade, filling the hollow core with a substance other than air, and then, laser peening the hollow core gas turbine engine blade.

Laser peening hollow core gas turbine engine blades

An apparatus creating a processing cell for laser peening operations includes an enclosure which substantially defines a work cell or processing cell with a transparent overlay material applicator located therein. A cleaning system is utilized that may include a vapor exhaust, liquid removal system, and a gas or air supply. A vapor exhaust system is connected to the enclosure for removing vapor from within the processing cell. A liquid removal system is connected to the enclosure for removing liquid from the processing cell. A gas or air supply is connected to the enclosure to flood the enclosure with gas or air to flush airborne debris therefrom. A workpiece manipulator may be disposed or operate within the cell for moving workpieces therein.

A method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shock waves therethrough. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shock waves. The method includes applying a transparent overlay to the solid material to be worked. The solid material or overlay is vibrated to release any gas bubbles or solid debris within the transparent layer which could cause localized non-uniform confinement of a pressure pulse applied for a workpiece thereby causing irregularities in the workpiece surface. A pulse of coherent laser energy is the directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shock wave. Additionally, the method may include adding a wetting agent or controlling the temperature of the overlay material to reduce the concentration of gas bubbles therein.

Laser peening process and apparatus with uniform pressure pulse

A method and apparatus for cleaning equipment surfaces using a laser. A barrier layer is provided at a surface to be cleaned prior to being impinged by light from a laser in order to avoid degradation in the form of oxidation of the surface. The laser light causes residual material on the surface to be removed while the barrier layer ensures that energy from the laser light is evenly distributed. In addition, the barrier layer shields the surface from oxygen to thereby prevent oxidation of the surface.

Growing community of inventors

Dublin, OH, United States of America

Jeffrey L Dulaney