Abstract: The shot peening apparatus for shot peening the surface of a workpiece has a gravity shot distribution subassembly which includes deflectors which utilize the kinetic energy in the falling shot to effect a substantially uniform distribution of shot into a conduit for conducting the shot at gravitational velocity to an elongated nozzle. Associated with the nozzle is a plenum communicating with the nozzle and containing a gaseous fluid under a relatively low static pressure for accelerating the shot out of said nozzle at higher than gravitational velocity for impact against a workpiece.

Abstract: The method of inspecting shot peened surfaces of a workpiece for the extent of coverage comprises coating the surface to be peened of a workpiece with a material containing a fluorescent dye and then shot peening the part to be peened until the amount of fluorescent coating remaining, as indicated by the amount of fluorescent radiation given off when exposed to ultraviolet light, compares with the amount of fluorescent radiation given off from a previously prepared control specimen which has the same material characteristics as the workpiece and was coated with the same fluorescent material and shot peened to a desired coverage.