Linear Motion Peening

Abstract

This invention utilizes a linear motor to impact peening media. It has three major applications: (1) deep compression low surface work peening, (2) Almen strip arc height testing and (3) manual peening. This process differs from existing processes in that impacts are controlled in position, velocity and mass. The indentor tip may have single or multiple indentors. In its deep peening/low surface work this invention competes with processes such as Roller Burnishing, Low Plasticity Burnishing and Laser Peening. The Almen strip testing application fills a void in shot peening quality control. There are examples of Almen strips whose arc height behavior differed side to side. Others have differed between lots. Recent peening production lines have been shut down by incorrect arc heights. This invention is an alternative to manual peening processes such as Flapper peening and hand held nozzle peening.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of peening in which surface compression producing dimples are created by an indentor driven by a position, velocity and mass controlled linear motor. 
     
     
         2 . A method of linear motor peening in which the impacts are synchronized with the lateral motions of the indentor. 
     
     
         3 . A method of linear motor peening in which the impact face of the indentor may have single or multiple impact shapes. 
     
     
         4 . The method of linear motor peening in which the linear motor shaft is directly connected to the indentor. 
     
     
         5 . The method of linear motor peening in which the linear motor shaft is connected to the indentor by an arrangement which translates the motion by 90 degrees to peen holes or other limited access areas. 
     
     
         6 . The method of linear motor peening in which the linear motor shaft is connected to the indentor by angled impact of a secondary impactor which translates the motion by 90 or less degrees to peen holes or other limited access areas. 
     
     
         7 . The method of linear motor peening in which the linear motor shaft is connected to the indentor by a flexible shaft which translates the motion off angle to peen limited access areas. 
     
     
         8 . The method of linear motor peening in which the linear motor shaft is connected to the indentor by a hydraulic line which translates the motion off angle to peen limited access areas. 
     
     
         9 . The method of linear motor peening in which a method of testing and qualifying Almen strips for arc height performance under conditions demonstrated to exhibit anomalies in arc height behavior in which the indentor is horizontally and longitudinally motion programmed to achieve dimple coverage on the Almen strip. 
     
     
         10 . A method of linear motor peening fatigue test specimens in which the indentor is horizontally and longitudinally motion programmed to achieve dimple coverage on the specimen. 
     
     
         11 . A method of linear motor “automated” peening in which the linear motor equipped with an indentor is mounted on a robot whose positions and motions are integrated with the indentor impact motions. 
     
     
         12 . A method of linear motor manual peening in which the linear motor equipped with an indentor which is hand manipulated. 
     
     
         13 . A method of linear motor manual peening in which the linear motor is fixtured and the indentor is mounted on a flex shaft which is hand manipulated.