Surface nano-hardness and microstructure of a single crystal nickel base superalloy after laser shock peening

Nanoindention tests and SEM microstructure observations were conducted on a single crystal nickel base superalloy after laser shock peening (LSP). Distinct surface hardening behavior was found to occur under the selected LSP technology. A large discrepancy in γʹ areas happened on laser shocked regions and the large plastic deformation embodied in γʹ phases’ deformation brought a significant hardening effect. [Display omitted] •Nano-hardnesses of a single crystal superalloy suffered laser shock were measured.•Microstructure evolution under laser shock for the single crystal superalloy was analyzed.•Deformation mechanisms of γʹ precipitates and γ channels under laser shock were proposed.