Analysis and experiment on deformation of sheet metal by laser shock wave

The mechanism of laser shock deformation and the reason for the production of the shockwave are introduced. An evaluation formula of the detonation wave pressure in the system of laser, energy transferring-medium and sheet metal is built according to the theory of detonation wave and blasting gas-dynamics. The minimal energy of the laser pulse is evaluated on the basis of the formula of the laser shock pressure and evaluation of dynamic yielding strength. The experiment is also validated. The result shows that the quantity of sheet metal deforming is nonlinearly increased with laser energy, i.e., pressure of the laser shock wave. Under a laser-induced ultra-high pressure and high strain rate, structural steels and composite materials undergo plastic deformation.