A study on energy conversion behavior of single-shot elastic-plastic impact during shot peen forming

•The impact behavior of shot peening is studied from the aspect of energy conversion.•An energy conversion model of the elastic-plastic shot impact is first developed.•Various energies during the shot impact process are then evaluated by simulation.•Energy input to the material is in the form of elastic-plastic deformation energy.•Part of elastic deformation energy provides driving power for the shot peen forming.