Chen, ShijunDesai, Dawood A.Heyns, P.S. (Philippus Stephanus)Pietra, Francesco2021-09-202021-09-202020A bibliometric analysis of the research on shot peening. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 2020, Vol. 12, No. 1, 69–77, https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2019.1610252.2042-1338 (print)2042-1346 (online)10.1080/20421338.2019.1610252http://hdl.handle.net/2263/81906A 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.en© 2019 African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development. This is an electronic version of an article published in African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, vol. 12, no. 1, 69–77, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2019.1610252. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rajs20.Bibliometric analysisShot peeningSocial network analysisWord clusterEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-17SDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsPostprint Article