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Shot peening is known to be beneficial for improving fatigue life and stress corrosion resistance of components. Shot peening has historically lacked definition of qualitative process variables and optimum quantitative levels. This problem is compounded by lack of definitive process controls for consistently reproducing the process variables affecting workpiece performance. The authors chose shot peening media as first of a series intended to holistically examine which peening variables affect workpiece performance, how performance is affected, and how these can be metered, controlled, and/or documented. Peening media problems are categorized into seven groups. Each is examined conceptually as to effect on workpiece life. Determination is made as to available equipment, quality assurance, and documentation tools.

This paper describes the application of peening to wrought aluminum automotive road wheels. Peening parameter development considerations including optimum intensity and peening media size are discussed. Standard SAE fatigue tests for automotive road wheels are applied. It is concluded that peening enhances fatigue life of wrought aluminum automotive road wheels. It was found that optimization of this enhancement requires compressive stresses imparted within a narrow tolerance.