Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A method to minimize the distortion, such as buckling, caused in the welding of thin plate by utilizing transient thermal tensioning to induce areas of residual tensile stress. Distortion of such welded plates after stiffeners are welded to the plates is due to large areas of unsupported residual compressive stress following the tensile stress that is induced along the weld lines by the welding of the stiffeners. Application of transient thermal tensioning by moving heat sources at the time of welding of the stiffeners induces areas of residual tensile stress that minimize the tendency of the plates to buckle. Multiple heat sources of variable intensity may be utilized, and multiple stiffeners may be welded to a single panel by the method. Minimization of distortion improves the function and appearance of the finished plates and minimizes post-welding repairs.

Abstract: A method to minimize the distortion, such as buckling, caused in the welding of thin plate by utilizing transient thermal tensioning to induce areas of residual tensile stress. Distortion of such welded plates after stiffeners are welded to the plates is due to large areas of unsupported residual compressive stress following the tensile stress that is induced along the weld lines by the welding of the stiffeners. Application of transient thermal tensioning by moving heat sources at the time of welding of the stiffeners induces areas of residual tensile stress that minimize the tendency of the plates to buckle. Multiple heat sources of variable intensity may be utilized, and multiple stiffeners may be welded to a single panel by the method. Minimization of distortion improves the function and appearance of the finished plates and minimizes post-welding repairs.