Laser Peening for Preventing Pipe Corrosion and Failure

Under Development

University of Nebraska More »

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Threats and Integrity Management -- Pipeline Testing, Analysis and Repair

The PHMSA-funded project addresses the challenge of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). Laser peening will increase the corrosion resistance of pipeline steels. Laser peening, which employs laser-induced shock waves to create compressive residual stress in the metal surfaces of the pipelines, will significantly enhance their corrosion resistance. The laboratory system uses Nd:YAG laser with a pulse energy of ~ 650 mJ with lens groups, a beam delivery system, a control system, and a power system to construct a compact laser peening system (see figure).

The corrosion resistance of pipelines will be enhanced by the compressive residual stress created by laser-induced shock waves during laser peening. It is anticipated that using laser shock peening in the construction of a pipeline will highly improve the reliability, safety, and lifespan of the nation’s pipeline transportation system

Increased Safety - Mitigating stress corrosion reduces threat risk to pipeline integrity and safety.

Increased Safety: Mitigating stress corrosion reduces threat risk to pipeline integrity and safety.