Pulsed laser interactions with titanium-vanadium alloys

The effects of a high energy pulsed laser induced shock wave on the properties and microstructure of a series of titanium vanadium alloys were investigated. The peak pressure of the shock waves was increased by using high acoustic impedance back-up plates and by splitting the laser beam to shock two opposite sides of the specimen simultaneously. The hardness and strength of the alloys were increased up to 10 percent after laser shocking. The shock hardening was attributed to shock induced dislocations and twinning, and possibly strain transformed metastable beta depending on alloy composition and heat treatment. The magnetic susceptibility of the alloys was unaffected by laser shocking.