Effect of Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment on Surface Topography and Dry Sliding Wear Performance of AA7075‐T6

Abstract

Surface roughness significantly impacts the service life of materials, particularly in relation to fatigue and wear behavior. This study investigates the effects of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on the wear performance and surface topography of AA7075‐T6 aluminum alloy. Experimental investigations are conducted using a specially designed vibration table to apply SMAT at low speeds, varying shot amount, and shot diameter. Surface roughness is measured using a 3D optical profilometer, and wear performance is evaluated through friction coefficient, wear rate, and microstructural analysis via scanning electron microscope. The results highlight several key findings. First, SMAT demonstrates the capability to yield smoother surfaces compared to equivalent processes, enhancing performance and applicability in engineering contexts. Second, SMATed samples exhibit increased surface roughness compared to untreated samples, underscoring the influence of SMAT on surface topography and its potential implications for wear resistance and frictional behavior. The comparative analysis shows that SMAT treatment increases surface roughness from 0.14 μm to a maximum of 0.24 μm. Finally, a notable reduction in friction coefficient, up to 22%, is observed in SMATed AA7075‐T6 samples, indicating the effectiveness of SMAT in improving tribological properties and enhancing component longevity subjected to frictional forces.