Cavitation erosion resistance enhancement of the surface modified 2024T351 Al alloy by ultrasonic shot peening

In this study, a novel surface strengthening method for improving cavitation erosion resistance by ultrasonic shot peening (USP) was proposed. Modified 2024T351 aluminium alloy surface layer with the characteristics of refined grains size, increased microhardness and residual compressive stress was prepared by USP treatment. Then the ultrasonic cavitation erosion (UCE) behaviour of the processed 2024T351 Al alloy was investigated. Results indicated that under the combined action of surface hardening and residual compressive stress, the cavitation weight loss of the USP-ed sample was significantly reduced. For the USP-ed 2024T351 Al alloy with an intensity of 0.101mmA, the weight loss after 3 hours' UCE treatment was reduced by 54.2 % compared to the untreated sample. This study also found that the increased surface roughness during shot peening could reduce the cavitation resistance properties. However, the weakening can be avoided by surface finishing. Results indicate that USP is a potential physical strengthening method that can significantly improve the cavitation erosion resistance of metals. •Ultrasonic shot peening refined the grain size and induced residual compressive stress in 2024Al alloy.•Modified 2024Al alloy by ultrasonic shot peening offered excellent cavitation erosion resistance in tap water.•Ultrasonic shot peening can inhibit the cavitation erosion and the mechanism was discussed.