Influence of mesh parameters on FE simulation of severe shot peening (SSP) aimed at generating nanocrystallized surface layer

This study has focused on numerical simulation of severe shot peening aimed at creating a fine grained layer of material on surface of the treated part. Mesh size effects have been particularly studied and analyzed not only on residual stress trend which has been commonly dealt with but also by considering the accumulated equivalent plastic strain, recognized as a key parameter in development of grain refinement process. In the end, a practical method is suggested to estimate the equivalent plastic strain value independent from element size to be employed for assessing the generation of refined grains.