Residual stress gradients in AISI 9254 steel springs submitted to shot peening and heat treatment for increased fatigue resistance

Abstract

The presence of surface and subsurface residual stresses in steel components has a significant influence on fatigue resistance. In the present work, surface modification of AISI 9254 steel coil springs by heat treatment and multiple shot-peening procedures was investigated. Samples were characterized in the as-coiled, quenched, quenched and tempered, as well as submitted to single and double shot peening treatments. Depth resolved residual stress profiles were determined by X-ray diffraction combined with electrolytic dissolution of the steel. Fracture analysis was performed subsequent to fatigue tests by scanning electron microscopy. It was possible to show that double shot peening led to an increase in compressive stresses in the immediate sub-surface region, which improved fatigue resistance relative to the other tested conditions. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.