A bibliometric analysis of the research on shot peening

A bibliometric analysis of shot peening was carried out to provide insights into academic activities and trends of the research on surface treatment processes from 1997 to 2017 based on the publications collected from the database Science Citation Index. The analysis identified those countries, institutions, foundations, and journals which performed well in the research field of shot peening, and illustrated the collaborative relationships between countries and between institutions, respectively. The results suggest that the two subject categories, i.e. material science multidisciplinary and engineering mechanical, had the largest publication outputs, and that finite element modelling, ultrasonic shot peening, and parameters optimization were the current hotspots. They also indicate that the current and future research should be focused on four aspects: (1) finite element analysis with new methods such as discrete element method for modelling; (2) ultrasonic shot peening as a counterpart in modifying properties of metallic surface; (3) parametric optimization with advanced algorithms; (4) plasma nitriding as a complementary process applying after shot peening treatment.Eskom Power Plant Institute (Republic of South Africa), University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rajs20hj2021Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineerin