128 Delaying Effect of Fatigue Crack Propagation by Single-pulse Laser Irradiation

In this study, a single-pulse laser technique was examined as an advanced repair process as an alternative to existing processes. This repair process involves using a single-pulse laser to irradiate the area ahead of the crack tip to reduce the fatigue crack propagation rate and/or deflect the crack path. Specifically, fatigue tests were conducted on specimens with a hole at the center and an induced fatigue crack at the edge of the hole. A single-pulse laser irradiation was applied ahead of this natural crack tip, and the delaying effect of laser irradiation was then evaluated by a detailed examination of the fatigue crack propagation behavior. Finally, it was confirmed that a single-pulse laser is a viable technique to repair cracked components.